Kings of Men: Changing the World Through Powerful Art
Recently, John and I took a trip to the UK with our daughter's family. I'm on the airplane, enjoying my economical, comfort-class wide seat on Virgin Air (highly recommended for long distances!). I rarely watch movies, but I browse through the selection of new releases, looking for something historical or inspiring. "Sound of Freedom" catches my eye. It's a movie I've been wanting to see since its release but missed in theaters. I want to take advantage of this opportunity, so I commit to watching it after dinner.
Discovering "Sound of Freedom"
"Sound of Freedom" is a true story movie about the life of Tim Ballard, a US government agent who courageously orchestrates an elaborate rescue operation of children being trafficked and sexually exploited in Colombia, with Jim Caviezel playing the lead role as Tim Ballard.
After dinner, John falls asleep for the night, and Dimitra and Jake take turns holding Zion, also trying to sleep. I start the movie and am deeply engrossed the entire time.
The film masterfully uses innuendo, providing just enough detail and footage of the trauma to make its poignant point without egregiously traumatizing the viewer. I am absolutely struck by Tim Ballard's selfless, heroic courage. He is utterly committed to the cause of rescuing these children and, against all odds, remains unwavering. I watch, completely inspired.
I hold it together until the end, but I am wet with tears as the final credits roll. As I sit silently sobbing, I realize that at this very moment, millions of children – yes, MILLIONS- are suffering in some demonic nightmare.
I'm completely undone. Just then, Dimitra turned around and asked me if I could hold Zion for a little while so she could rest. I have my precious grandson on my chest and feel his lovely, beautiful spirit relax and drift into sleep. I pray that God will forever keep him and protect him from such a hellish fate.
As I held Zion and continued to sob, I thought, what am I doing with my life? Being an artist feels trivial and pointless. I need to get off this plane and go to Colombia, Cambodia, or Cameroon to rescue children! How can I continue living comfortably, enjoying ice cream, or celebrating Christmas, knowing that children are tortured by these sick men in every corner of the earth? I must DO something!
A Call to Action
Then I quickly realize that I'm 5 feet 3 inches tall, don't speak Spanish, am 50 years old, and realistically cannot take on the militia of muscular, vile men who guard these networks. I don't even know how to shoot a gun! I cried out to God, "What can I do!? I have to DO something. I can't just sit here and wait for someone else to step up. God, rise up! Intervene. Save these children. Smite these wicked people. All of them!"
Suddenly, it becomes clear. In an instant, all the fragmented pieces come together, forming a cohesive plan of action that downloads into my mind.
The Vision of Kings
A year and a half ago, when I was in Greece, I felt like God inspired me and gave me a vision to paint kings. I envisioned kings of men in my mind, glowing with fire, surrounded by light, and wearing military-type clothes. I painted a couple of them but didn't understand why, so I stopped. Now, I could see that God wanted to release something through this art.
Without good kings, evil will prevail.
It is men who have built the sex trafficking industry. It is men who have groomed the female groomers. It is predominantly men who pay to enslave these children. It is the vile and wretched men who commit the most horrific acts on these innocents.
It is men, with their brute strength, who hold them captive and build fortresses around their evil kingdoms. It will require real men, kingly men, to topple these demonic structures. Kings who are protectors. Kings with integrity and valor. Kings of light and fire with blazing selfless love. The Bravehearts, the Gladiators, and the Robin Hoods must rise and fulfill their destiny to rid the world of such hell.
We can no longer tolerate this. As mothers, we must raise strong men. As fathers, we must be strong men. We must stop vilifying men; true men are not toxic in their masculinity. The only thing that stands between good and evil is strong, fearless men.
Changing the World Through Art
I realized that I must complete my paintings of the kings. Before God does anything on this earth, it is first sung, written, sculpted, or painted.
That movie changed me forever. I want my art to make a real impact and change the world. I want my paintings to shift culture, to wield magic, and be anointed for activation. I want my art to drive a cause, rebuild foundations, and tear down the dark structures. I envision my art as a bright light in a dark world, bringing hope to the hopeless and setting the captives free.
Have you ever experienced a moment of realization that changed your perspective or approach to your work? What was that like for you?
So appreciate your comments concerning not only the movie [which was a real eye opener to the ugly happenings] but what God is moving your heart to start to paint. To me this is prophetic art [which I have had an interest in for some time]. If you have not looked into this you might want to look at some prophetic artist who have been doing this for sometime now: Grace Bailey in Australia, Janice VanCronkhite in Georgia, and James Nesbit. All have been moved by God to paint what He is showing and telling them and often do this live – painting during live worship in conferences and churches. So appreciate the paintings that you have shared on this post!!! May God continue to lead you in this direction – I know it will minister and effect many!!!
How can I purchase these as prints?
Dear Elli, here is the disconcerting element of social media. I can feel like I know you, but you have no clue who I am. The movie you mention is one that has been on my radar also. And I have avoided watching it because I know it will affect me in the same way it has affected you. Although I am an artist, I doubt I will receive the same inspiration as you. But now I am willing to find out. Blessings to you
My dear teacher we are so in sync right now. Triggered not by the movie but by the recent news involving Epstein lists and some hip-hop moguls and Hollywood powerful men l have been thinking exactly the same thoughts. How can I enjoy my life while knowing that children around the world are being slaughtered in wars, assaulted in the pursuit of their dreams… it is unbearable to be also almost sure that very powerful people have been doing it for centuries and have never been brought to justice. A few sacrificial people are in prison but head of states and royals are still free. Furthermore women are facing domestic violence and being killed in high numbers without any protection from the police and legal system. And women are the majority and still being exploited. I really pray that under your leadership my artwork will improve and sell because I am definitely on a mission to use my wealth to make a difference with practical projects that offer support to victims. Thank you for sharing your thoughts.
Marybel
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Yes! Marybel. We are a team!!! 💪🏽
I haven’t had quite as impactful moment as you but I am continually shocked at how we as a world community continue to ignore the devastation we caused to our natural environment, and fail to see what we are truly losing by staying on the current path. The loss of indigenous plants and animals is growing every day, and I hope to bring or like to bring attention to this through my art but I am currently stumped on how I will move forward to create awareness around this issue, I don’t want to look like I’m preaching I hope by the end of mastery I’ll have more tools in my kit that will help me to see how, this can be achieved. One of my true dreams would be to open an art retreat. I see the art retreat situated on a property where we can dedicate it to possibly re-introducing species that have become extinct to our native Australian Bushland, and having it as a feature of the retreat, for people to come in see these amazing plants and creatures, be inspired to 🤔 take the message with them and pass on. As I am a Aussie I think starting in my own backyard is the way to go. Mining is causing so much damage to our land and we need to stop and relook at how thing can be done in the future that will help all. We are such destructive creatures.
I need to creat art that tells a story of what we are loosing with out it coming across negative. I need to create a positive story that people will be inspired to hang on their wall.
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Elli Milan Art replied:
Yes it’s true we don’t want to be preachy. Maybe paint the world you want to see. Paint the plants you are talking about in a thriving ecosystem. Elli
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