The Butterfly Circus

Goodness, I haven't posted anything in a while! Things have gotten busy for me in the past few weeks, but I hope to be posting more in the coming weeks. I have some pictures and stories from a vacation I recently took with my family that I want to get up. Hopefully those will be coming soon!

One of the things that I had been doing the past few weeks was helping out at a summer youth group for middle school students. It's been a rewarding experience, and even though I am there to help, I still learn a lot from the lessons that we teach and the dicussions we begin. Two weeks ago, we showed a video to the kids called The Butterfly Circus. The Butterfly Circus is a short film that follows one man's through his journey from ridicule to greatness, from despair to hope. I'm posting the video below, and I highly recommend that you watch it before reading the rest of this post. If you don't have time to watch the twenty minute video now, I'll summarize below.

The film begins with the Butterfly Cirucs troupe stopping at another circus - a circus that bases its entertainment off of showcasing "freaks of nature" and fortune telling. Mr. Mendes - the ringmaster of the Butterfly Circus - walks into the sideshow and views the bearded lady, the tatooed man and then in the words of the guide "a man that some say even God himself turned His back on." This man named Will and played by Nick Vujicic had no arms nor legs. While the crowd began to murmur, laugh and throw tomatoes at Will, Mr. Mendes just looked on with sadness and wonder and then went to Will to say, "You are magnificient." After being spit on by Will, Mr. Mendes just apologizes and leaves which surprises Will. Intrigued by this man and his work, Will manages to sneak into the Butterfly Circus and becomes a part of their team, but not as a person to be ridiculed. Will watches how the Butterfly Circus performs and brings pure joy to people, not like the "joy" that the other circus brought to people. He is awed by their work and wishes that he could be like them. Then Mr. Mendes takes Will aside and tells him that the people in his circus have all come from a broken past and then says, "See the beauty that comes from ashes...you have an advantage. The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph." Later on, while the troupe is playing in a river, they leave Will alone on the other side, despite his calls for help to cross. When no one hears his cries, Will becomes determined to cross the river on a log despite having no legs or arms to help him. The next thing he knows, he has fallen into the river and in a panic, the troupe begins to search for him. To the surprise of everyone there, Will did not need any help; he could swim! Despite having no arms or legs, Will could do something they never thought possible. The troupe cheered at Will's newfound talent and eventually gave him an act in their circus. After the circus, instead of being laughed at, the cirucs fans crowded around him in wonder and awe. Will had achieved something more than he had ever thought possible. 

That's the basic summary of the video, but having rewatched the video multiple times, I've noticed many ideas that this short film is portraying. The Butterfly Circus isn't just about the victory of Will; it's a representation of our lives and what we can do with them with God's help. It shows us that what the world says about us and how we can do so much more than what the world expects. I want to take a closer look at some of the things that The Butterfly Circus represents.

First, I want to compare and contrast the two circuses. The first circus promoted a very different idea than the Butterfly Circus. The first circus used its position in society to ridule those whom they believed did not meet the world's standards. They took joy in other people's pain. They also used it to promote practices such as fortune telling that can be dangerous to one's soul. In other words, this circus tempted people to be the worst version of themselves by making the bad, detrimental things look appealing. In some ways, this circus represents the world. Sometimes the world makes things that can harm us look good. It can tell us lies that sounds like the truth.

On the other hand, we have the Butterfly Circus that is very much different from the first circus. When Will first talked with the Butterfly troupe, he wondered if he could join their sideshow, but Mr. Mendes had told him that there was no sideshow and that they did things differently. This scene always reminds me of Proverbs 14:4. "Do not set foot on the path of the wicked or walk in the way of evildoers. Avoid it, do not travel on it; turn from it and go on your way." The Butterfly Circus is going their own way. They are not like the other circuses around. The joy that they create comes from their God-given talents. They come from true accomplishments, not breaking others down. They bring pure joy to people, a true happiness that lasts. They bring hope, joy, love and the will to do great things.  Doesn't this sound like something you want to be around? I would, and this is the genius of teh Butterfly Circus. The Butterfly Circus is almost a representation as what we should be in the world - our mission from Christ. And what better way to do that than by building people up and encouraging them to spread their wings and fly?

The name in "Butterfly Circus" in itself suggests the work that Mr. Mendes intends to accomplish in the lives of others. Think about the life cycle of a butterfly. A butterfly begins as a caterpillar - a lowly creature that seems insignificant. It can only crawl around; others look down on it. This is similar to the stage where Will was in the sideshow at the first circus. The next stage is the cacoon. In this stage, there's a transformation going on. Sometimes, being trapped in a cacoon is a bit uncomfortable; you feel a bit enclosed and trapped. Maybe you don't feel like you quite belong, like you're meant for soemthing more. This is the stage where Will had left the first circus and joined the Butterfly Circus but had no specific role in it; this is where he was searching for who he really was. The last stage to a butterfly is the breaking out of the cacoon, comes out as a butterfly and flies away. No longer is it a simple crawling creature, it is a magnificient being that can soar to higher heights than ever thought possible. This is where Will discovers he can swim; he could do something that no one ever though possible. He had overcome every obstacle that stood in his way to do amazing things.

The next two things I want to look at are the characters of Mr. Mendes and Will. Mr. Mendes was the leader of group of people who did not fit well into society; he welcomed anyone despite their circumstances and helped them do things that they never could have done without his guidance. He led his troupe around the land, bringing comfort to the people and some even thought he did miracles. He did not conform to the world and loved people for who they are. He was once spit on even. Does any of this sound familiar? Mr. Mendes almost seems like Jesus. Like Jesus, Mr. Mendes is a role model for how we are to live our lives: with love, patience, kindness and courage.

 On the other hand, we have Will. Will is looked down on by society for not being "normal" because of his lack of limbs. Will is one who believes the lies that the world tells him. He believes he is a freak because that is what he hears. Not until one soul like Mr. Mendes enters his life does he begin to believe that he is capable of doing great things. Once he begins to trust and believe, his will becomes more resolved and he does accomplish things that no one thought he could do. He came from a lowly background with little support to a man that was looked up to in wonder and amazement. When we begin to pray and rely on God, we too can accomplish the great plans that God has in store for us.

While different people will get different things out of this video, here's my take-away points from what I have seen:

• Nothing can stop you from being who you are meant to be. The world can't stop you, your friends can't stand you, your parents can't stop you. If God intends for you to do something, you can overcome the obstacles. 
• No one can define who you are. What Will was called while in the sideshow was not who he was. That was what the world thought, but sometimes, the world is wrong. You're the daughter or son of God! 
• Despite what the world tells us,we can conquer anything; we can do something in this world.
• Whatever stands in your way can be overcome, never let someone tell you what you can do.
• "See the beauty that comes from ashes." (Mr. Mendes) The Butterfly Circus troupe was not perfect; they had flaws like you and I, but the difference is that they went above those flaws and used their talents for good. You do not have to be perfect or have everything together to do something in the world.
• "The greater the struggle, the more glorious the triumph." (Mr. Mendes) We all have struggles. Some of us might struggle with looks, others may have family problems. Some may have a physical limitation, others might have an addiction. But despite whatever we are going through, we can overcome them with God's help and the help of those around us. When we triumph over our struggles, they will be more beautiful, more cause to triumph over because of all the dedication and strength we put in to overcoming them. 

The Butterfly Circus is definitely a film that can encourage and inspire. While you may have gotten different things out of the video than I did, I encourage you to take another look at where you are in your walk with Christ and to live out the things you have learned. Live them out and do not be ashamed of being different! God has great plans in store for you, and you can accomplish them!

~Emily Silverwing

Think Again

I'm a ballerina, and often times, I will hear things about ballet. Some people say that ballet is easy and that "anyone can do it". I often sigh hearing that because ballet is not necessarily "easy". It takes hours of practice and lots of dedication. Dance moves don't always click and you have to try over and over again before you get it. Even after years of experience as a dancer, there is always something new to learn or places where you can improve. If any adjective describes dance, easy is not it.

Last year, I wrote a poem for my English about ballet, and I recently rediscovered it while I was organizing my school papers. I'd like to share it here.

Think Again

"Ballet is for those who are weak"
Pursing my lips at the words you speak,
 I sigh to myself, knowing you are wrong, 
to be a ballerina, you have to be strong!

You see ballerinas dancing onstage,
graceful and smiling despite their age.
Across the stage they glide and flow
like leaves of a tree that the wind does blow.

What is not seen is the preparation
 and the constant show of dedication.
To be willing to try a new dance move,
falling, just to stand up and improve.

To turn together on the tip of the toe
takes time and precision, taking it slow.
At once, you concentrate on a trillion things
but when you've perfect it, it feels like you're on wings.

The names of the moves happen to be French
unlike other sports, there is no bench.
We dance for hourse, taking no breaks
working on one dance, erasing mistakes.

After class, when we take off our shoes
we happen to find two toenails bruised.
Our toes hut and calves ache
but this is just one price we have to make.

So, for those who say ballerinas are weak,
think again before you speak.
If none of these words you happen to buy,
ballet is something I'd like to see you try!

When people go to watch ballet recitals, what they view is the product of months of preparation. The show looks flawless and the dancers graceful. Some say that it even looks like ballerinas are dancing on air! In order to get to this point though, many months of classes and practice have to be taken before the show. I can guarentee you that when we practice, it does not always go as smoothly as onstage. We have to stop the song, change moves and positions, take out moves, add expression and do a dozen other things during our practices. It's a lot of work!

So, is ballet easy? No, not necessarily. But after performing, when you hear the audience applaud, all the hard work put into the show becomes worth it.

~Emily Silverwing

The Story of Your Life

I don't know about you, but I love stories. Whether the stories are completely fictional or based on real life experiences, I am pulled into a world created by words. I walk in the steps of a character, feeling their joys, pains, struggles and triumphs. I feel their apprehension when going to a  new school for the first time. I feel their aching when their parents die, leaving them an orphan. I feel their pure happiness when they have accomplished their dreams. Through stories, I am able to see everything in a new light and understand more about the world around me - even if for a few moments - in a new perspective. Stories captivate. They excite. They connect people. They can spur thoughts and resolutions to change one's way of life. Stories will never lose their importance; they have been vital in history and are still relevant in this day and age.

Sometimes as I read or hear stories, I wish that I had a story to tell, something important that can inspire or cause people to think. As I look back on my life so far though, I often don't think there is anything worth telling. I haven't done anything that has changed the world. I haven't won any big, prestigious award. I haven't heroically saved anyone's life. I haven't had any big crazy experience happen to me that has turned my world upside down. Is anything even worth saying? Sometimes it feels like my experiences are just like everyone else's. Why would someone want to hear about my first day of school when they have experienced that too? Why would someone want to hear about my trip to Disney World when it sounds just like everyone else? Why would someone want to hear about my failure? Sometimes, there doesn't seem to be a lot to say about my life. There's no story to tell --- or is there?

One of my many favorite singers is Matthew West. He has many songs that I have just fallen in love with, one especially called The Story of Your Life (which I just so happen to be listening to right now). It talks about how all our lives are a story, that we have a choice in how our story is going to read and how our lives are "a story worth telling."

Through this song and some recent ponderings, I'm beginning to rethink my previous notions. Maybe my life IS a story. Maybe we all have a story to tell, despite thinking that nothing is worth telling. Each of us is here on Earth for a purpose. We all have these experiences we live through, but we experience them differently. The truth is that we are not all the same, and in that, we can all view the same event in a different way. We come into that event with different previous knowledge, feelings and experience. This can make each person experience the event in a different way - a way that some people may not realize it can be experienced as; there are many angles to one thing. Seeing something through the eyes of another, opens our view of the world and how it works. It's important to hear about the different angles so we all see the world in order to grow and to understand better.

Life stories also build a common ground and a connection between people. Our life can help bring people together or can help inspire people. Maybe our life can bring comfort or peace to another. We don't always know what other people are going through when we meet them or just talk to them. Maybe they are struggling with self image or a broken family, maybe they had a rough day at school and work or just experienced the death of a family member. We don't always know this, but if we ever tell our seemingly simple life stories about a time we struggled and made it through or even didn't make it through yet or about anything really, we have the opportunity to maybe encourage another and make them feel as if they are not alone. Stories don't always have to be about a truimph; in fact, maybe it's better if there is no grand truimph. It makes our stories real, not like a fairy tale. As a quote I once saw by Matthew Kelly read, "To be human is to be beautifully flawed," and thus any of our struggles just connects us to the commonality of each and every human person. Our little struggles of seemingly common or unimportant things can make for stories that inspire and comfort the human race.

Each day, we experience thousands of seemingly simple things. These things only seem simple though. Added together, they make up you, and you are special. You have this wonderful story that is being written right now, and stories aren't meant to be hidden; they are meant to be told! They are meant to be shared and used. In your story - the story of your life - you have power. Power? Yes, power! You have the power to make a person smile, to laugh, to cry, to be comforted, to understand, to dream, to have suspense, to be hopeful! Your story - no matter how simple or unimportant it seems - is important and wanted in this world. You do have a story to tell and it's up to you to tell it.

So, is there no story to tell of my life, of your life? No way! We all have a story that has already started to be written, is being written now and will continue to be written. It's up to us to determine what we will do with that story. We have the choice. Are we going to keep that story hidden, or are we going to tell it? I don't know about you, but I want to tell my story. I want my every day experiences to encourage, inspire and cause thought in others.

Will you tell your story?

~Emily Silverwing

Because I Am A Christian...

Because I am a Christian, it does not mean I am perfect. I have my share of struggles too.

Because I am a Christian, it does not mean I know what I am supposed to do in life. I'm still looking for what I am called to do.

Because I am a Christian, it does not mean my life is boring. I can have fun too.

Because I am a Christian, it does not mean I have the answers to everything. There are some things I will never know.

Because I am a Christian, it does not mean I am intolerant. I realize that people will have different views, but that doesn't mean I won't say my own.

Because I am a Christian, I try to make God the center of my life. Everything else comes after.

Because I am a Christian, I treat life with respect. Everyone from the unborn up is precious in His sight.

Because I am a Christian, I strive to be holy, or simply "the best version of myself". Each and every day, I have a choice of how I will be who God wants me to be.

Because I am a Christian, I love everyone. Love just means willing the good of others before myself.

Why am I a Christian?

I am a Christian because it is my choice. Nobody can force me to be one; I am only invited.

I am a Christian because I struggle sometimes. There is no source of hope and strength than that of God.

I am a Christian because I need forgiveness. In forgiveness, there is peace.

I am a Christian because I am weak. I need the strength to carry on.

I am a Christian because I find peace in God. When life is like a hurricane, He is the eye in the center of the storm.

I am a Christian because I want to do God's will. I want be everything I am meant to be.

I am a Christian because I need guidance. In prayer, I can more fully know what I am to do.

I am a Christian because I am not perfect. I have need of a Savior.

I am a Christian because I believe. I believe in God the Father, God the Son and God the Holy Spirit, and that Jesus died and rose again so that we may have eternal life.

Why are you a Christian?

~Emily Silverwing

Summer

It's here! Summer has arrived at last! (Well, not according to the summer solstice, but it's close enough!) It's time to take a break from the daily grind of getting up, going to school, doing homework and going to bed. In its place, adventure, freedom and relaxation come. To me, summer equals opportunity. 

I'll admit that I actually do like school. I love to learn new things, especially in the subjects of English, Spanish and math. Despite that, I'm relieved to be taking a break from school. From multiple tests each week to finishing possibly hours of homework each night, much of my time had been eaten up by school. It was exhausting, and left me with little time to do the things I love: reading, writing, crafting and biking. Most of my time was dedicated to school, but now, with school done until September, I have more time to do things I love.

One thing I absolutely love about summer is the weather! Winter here brings bitter cold temperatures and mountains of snow. While I love snow and how pretty it is, I can't always stand the temperatures. I get cold really easily and am known in my family to ask to inch the heat up day after day...even if it's not incredible cold out. Summer, though, has the perfect temperatures. It doesn't get extremely hot here, but it can get very warm. It's perfect for going out on a bike ride, kayaking on a lake or going out for ice cream. I love the days when the sun shines radiantly in the blue sky with cotton puffs of clouds scatter here and there, but I also love the days when it rains and thunders. I don't mind the occasional rainy day, but I absolutely adore a soft gentle rain at night. Nothing is more perfect than falling asleep to the patter of rain on your window. 

With the lack of pressing schoolwork (except for a few summer assignments), beautiful weather and a bit more time, I have many goals that I wish to accomplish this summer. Summertime is a fresh slate, and only I can fill it. So here's some of the things I plan on doing:

- Reading! (This really has to be first on my list. I have always loved to read, and this school year, I have been gathering a list of books that my friends have recommended I read. I want to read as many books as I can on that list!)

- Writing (This has to come next. Next month in July, I am planning on participating in Camp Nano. I'll explain more about this when the time arrives. I also was going to be writing a story with some of my friends in addition to blogging more and writing more of my own stuff.)

- Learning (I don't think learning should ever stop happening, even during the summer. Besides completing some major summer school assignments, I also plan on learning something on my own. I haven't completely decided what I will look into yet this summer, but I have some ideas.)

- Biking (I really enjoy biking and possibly want to go on a 30 mile bike ride more or less.)

- Figuring out how to do 20 fuette turns in a row

- Stretching 

- Service (Much of my summer is taken up by volunteering. I usually help out at multiple Vacation Bible Schools throughout my community by teaching the kids Bible lessons. I also want to work on my sewing and knitting skills in order to make baby blankets and hats for a local center. I may also see if I can help out at any library activities my library host throughout the summer.)

- Taking lots of pictures for memories and scrapbooks

- Get published by writing for a magazine

That's really about it. As I go along in the summer, some of my goals go by the wayside and new goals and ideas pop up! That's what I love about summer: it's flexible and opportunistic! 

This summer has lots of new experiences and opportunities for me, and I plan on enjoying every minute of it. Despite being three months, summer always seems to fly by so quickly that it catches you by surprise. It seems like as soon as you get out of school, you're practically preparing to go back! It reminds me of a quote by Ray Davies that reads: "People take pictures of the summer, just in case someone thought they had missed it, and to prove it really existed."  Even if summer goes by quickly, the memories of it will never leave, and it's good to enjoy each and every part of it.

I hope all my readers have a fabulous summer!

~Emily Silverwing

Happy Easter!

I just want to say this one more time before next year: HAPPY EASTER!

Yes, I do realize it's May 23rd, a total of forty-nine days after Easter Sunday, but believe it or not, it is still the Easter season! As some of you may have noticed, at the end of every post since I've begun this blog, I've concluded with "Happy Easter!" That's because the Easter season in the church is fifty days long, lasting from Easter Sunday until Pentecost Sunday, which happens to be tomorrow. 

Why do I continue to say "Happy Easter" after most people have forgotten it? Basically, I say it to keep the spirit of Easter alive as long as possible, a reminder of joy and new beginnings. It's a reminder of just how much God loves every person that He sent His only son to not only die for us, but to bring us new life.

The thought of writing "Happy Easter" all throughout the Easter season came to me a few years ago when a book I read challenged its readers to keep the spirit of Easter alive all fifty days of Easter. So, I decided to write "Happy Easter"at the end of things I wrote.

And now, even though Easter is drawing to a close, I challenge you all to keep the spurit of Easter alive next year. It can be through words or actions, whatever you choose!

Once more, happy Easter!

~ Emily Silverwing

Artwork

Hi y'all! I've had a busy past few days and haven't had a chance to post anything, but I'm back! I wanted to show some of my artwork because I enjoy doing art; it's fun. Here's some of my favorites from the past two years.

So, this one is called Spring Awakening. It's a dual medium piece of work using watercolor for the background and permentant marker for the flower.

This painting has no name, but it's one of my favorite paintings I've ever done. This giraffe is made of water color which is really hard for me to use because the painting never goes where it is supposed to go for me, but by some mirace, this turned out! It took quite a few days to complete it and a lot of layering was involved, but I think it turned out well!

This painting has no name again, but it is made from acrylic paint using complementary colors. It's actually based off of a museum somewhere but the name and place has escaped my memory.

Again, this picture has no name. I usually don't name any of my artwork. This here is based of a theme given to me by my art teacher: dragons, castles and wizards. At the time, I had been in the midst of the TV show Merlin and I thought that it was a great theme. Anyways, the picture sort of got it's sides chopped off, so part of the dragon and castle are missing but it doesn't take much away from the piece. This was made using colored pencils.

This here is a pencil drawing of trees to focus on depth and sizing. I think it turned out pretty well, and it was fun to make so many different shaped trees!

This is a frog of some sort created using colored pencils. It was based of a picture of a real frog, so yes, those colors do exist on a frog. 

Being as one of my favorite animals is a giraffe, I have lots of drawings of them! This one is simply done in colored pencil, but the shading is not done all that well.

That's all I have right now, but I hope you enjoyed them!

Happy Easter!

~Emily Silverwing