Journal
Courageous. Writer Ernest Hemmingway said that “courage is grace under pressure.” Courage is defined as mental and moral strength; it is the ability to do something that frightens you and is strength in the face of pain and grief. Jesus was our ultimate example of “grace under pressure” throughout His three years on earth. Even on the cross, He cried out, “Father, forgive them; they know not what they do.”
I’m privileged to have traveled the world several times and met many who I am in awe of as they risk their lives to share their faith. Their courage has brought me to tears many times. Recently, I was in Cypress, helping to teach and train men and women from several countries where religious freedom, particularly Christianity, is said to be tolerated but, in reality, is persecuted. Two Iranian filmmakers visited Cypress for a “vacation” and attended our conference. They told us that they were taking notes during the day and then going back to their hotel room at night and memorizing them because they would be imprisoned if they were caught with what we were teaching them.
Courageous men and women who risked it all for Jesus are indeed saints. Their kind of courage cannot be found in human strength. It can only be found when we allow the Holy Spirit to infuse Himself fully into our soul. Those of us who work in secular production offices, on sets and stages, know that often our faith is belittled and sometimes bullied, and I believe it is not going to get easier in the future. I Peter 3:15 tells us we should “Always be ready to make a defense to anyone who asks you to give an account for the hope that is in you, yet with gentleness and reverence” (my emphasis).
There are no scaredy cats or “turkeys” in God’s Kingdom!
When the Holy Spirit lives in us, and we are fully engaged with God, our response is always “Yes, I will” stand up for my faith. Our Bible and history books are filled with those who stood up, were persecuted, and demonstrated solidarity with Jesus Christ, God’s son, while giving their lives. Today’s heroes of the faith such as Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks, Jim Elliott, Corrie Ten Boon, Billy Graham, and Mother Theresa, to name a few, never shied away from persecution and gave their lives entirely to the cause for Christ.
In Romans 12, Paul spelled out for us how to handle and navigate life with courageous grace. We are to be holy, living sacrifices, renewing our minds with the Word of God, serving humbly, and loving greatly (and yes, even to those who oppress or persecute us). This Thanksgiving holiday, remember the faithful men and women who came to this country and became America’s founders so that we might have freedom to worship. Their perseverance and courage was rooted in our nation’s motto: “In God we trust.” Remember their courage. Then, embolden your life with Biblical wisdom bathed in grace and be ready to share the Hope that lives within you. Our world needs courageous people as never before.
“Finally, be strong in the Lord and in His mighty power.” Ephesians 6:10.
Inner Views
BIO:
Julie Ann has been a successful professional artist for more than twenty years, ten of which were with the UK’s leading fine art agency. Her oil paintings are bought and exhibited worldwide. As a Christian, she also paints prophetically and is a live performance artist, using her abilities to help raise charity funds. She has painted prophetically at many events and has just completed a commission for the official image for the 2025 US National Day of Prayer, which will be distributed across America and the world. Julie Ann’s book, ‘Stand’ features nine paintings depicting the miracles of World War II, accompanied by a prophetic message. These WWII paintings are being toured widely and have been exhibited inside Windsor Castle and St Mary’s Woolnoth church in London (the famous church of Sir John Newton, writer of ‘Amazing Grace’) to coincide with the 80th anniversary of the D-Day landings. She currently lives in Dorset, England, with her writer husband, Damian, and has two grown-up daughters.
INNER VIEW
Kathleen Cooke: I was honored to meet you at Windsor Castle recently, see your fantastic artwork, and hear how you listen to God’s voice in what you paint. Can you share what He has taught you about obedience even when it doesn’t immediately make sense?
Julie Ann Scott: 8 Years ago, God commissioned me to paint nine large oil paintings on WWII and how the Lord saved us of the greatest evil by being called to national prayer seven times by King George VI. When putting this work out at a women’s prayer conference in Windsor Castle, I noticed an unfinished area on the painting of Roosevelt and Churchill. I knew the painting well and was perturbed that it looked wrong. I then consulted my book on the exhibition called ‘STAND’ & saw that the piece was indeed very finished at the time it was photographed for the book.
A few days later, I was speaking on the work at a Church in London on the evening of the 80th Anniversary of Day. A young woman approached me at the end, saying she felt a very strong sense of the Holy Spirit, and the Lord brought her attention to an area that looked unfinished by Roosevelt’s elbow on the painting of him and Churchill talking. Now I was listening. She said she saw a woman’s face. Sure enough, I looked closer, and suddenly, I could see it. Having just come from a strategic prayer summit at Windsor Castle which brought together U.K. and U.S.A. women, I knew God was highlighting the fact that He was raising women up in this hour for such a time as this. Just like on D-Day, England and America would stand together.
That night, I recalled this to a friend, and the following morning, she sent me a photograph with a message saying, “Is this the woman in the painting under Roosevelt’s elbow?”
It was indeed the woman, and her name was Eleanor Roosevelt. Unbelievable to you? We can expect miracles when we step out and obey God when He leads us and when we wholeheartedly do it with a fully surrendered heart. Go find out!
Kathleen: As artists, it is always challenging to trust God with our influence and success, and especially with our finances. What has God taught you about relying on Him and trusting that He will provide all our needs?
Julie Ann: At age 40, God told me he wanted me to be an artist. So, I taught myself to paint in one year. (more…)
