She was in her teens and felt as if she was on the “outside.”
Another was in her twenties and felt as though she was on the “outside.”
Still another confided once that she too felt as if she was on the “outside.” She was in her thirties.
The forty, fifty, sixty and seventy something women in my life have admitted over the years that they felt this way too. Outside. I assure you that you are not alone if you find yourself feeling as if you are on the outside, regardless of “why” you feel this way.
Outside. Locked out. Not welcomed.
I usually choose a subject to paint at random. When I see something that stirs me, I paint it. This door was much like that. To be honest, I chose it for the colors and quite frankly how it would look hanging in my house.
As I painted, God moved. You see, recently, I’ve felt like the one on the “outside.” It’s been something the Lord and I have been discussing lately.
A lot.
As I painted, ” I asked, I seeked, I knocked.” (Matthew 7:8) He met me in the oil. As this painting unfolded, I was drawn into the message that He revealed.
“In one way or another, God makes sure that we all experience what it means to be on the outside, so that He can personally open the door and welcome us back in.”
Romans 11:30, The Message
Amazing isn’t it? He takes those moments when we feel as if we are on the “outside,” and recycles them so beautifully, to meet us where we are. Listen carefully in those “outside” moments. He’s whispering, “Welcome, come on in; you’re back where you belong.”
WFW is not about books, authors, artists.. it’s about God and HIS WORD ONLY. WFW is about celebrating the gift of creativity through God’s Word.
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Blessings Lori… So glad that HE WELCOMES US and says WE BELONG!
NOW this door and WFW really says “Mi casa es tu casa”… Love the rich colors and the letter style… and I’m really blessed by your words and The Message gives Romans such a better view. I would never think that you struggle with being on the “outside”… I’ll have to ponder some on this…
From the Inside out, I see you as warm and belonging on the inside!
Love & peace,
Peggy
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Beautiful painting…and beautiful writing…and beautiful LESSON! So thankful God takes those moments and recycles them to something BEAUTIFUL! Love you post! Thanks for the encouragment!
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Awesome painting and devotional, Lori and the scripture is so powerful. Something we all can relate to. Thanks such a thought-provoking devotional today. Blessings.
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Oh Lori, this is lovely. And these words of encouragement are such a blessing. Have a delightful, Word-Filled Wednesday.
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While I believe we were created for relationships, I think there are times God uses our feelings of aloneness and not belonging to draw us to Himself. Otherwise, would we need Him as dearly? This is the lesson I have been pondering over the past few years when we moved from the church where our community was strong and sure to another church where I constantly feel “outside.” It’s painful, but there is growth in pain.
Beautiful word, beautiful graphic. Thank you.
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Oh Lori, my heart jumps with JOY as i see what you are doing with this whole “door” and “knocking” concept that He has laid on your heart. What a blessing you are to so many, thank you for seeing into your heart and sharing it with us so beautifully. You are such a gift! xoxo, Mel
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Thank you for sharing this! I needed it today as I have been feeling on the “outside”.
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Lori, your talent continues to amaze me. You paint, too? You are one gifted artist, girl, and you most certainly use this gift to glorify Him. Peace like a river.
We all feel on the outside sometime – I can assure you that while this may not make you feel better, you are not alone. I love this verse and love how God uses times like this to make us press further into Him.
Peace to you – like a river.
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What a beautiful portrait and wonderful post Lori! I have felt like an “outsider” more than once in my life. I really appreciated your post!
Hope you have a wonderful day!
Karen
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So beautiful!!! I love it!
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wow Lori, what a gorgeous painting!
And what a great verse.. I know I’ve felt on the “outside” a lot, so thank-you for this encouragement this morning!
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Lori,
Wonderful post & beautyful painting
I think a lot of women deal with feeling on the OUTSIDE. The good news is that even though we “feel” like we are on the OUTSIDE…we are NOT on the outside!! In God’s eyes we are ALL on the INSIDE & very important and valuable 
I am so glad that I am on the INSIDE in my God’s eyes, and that is all that matters!! We are so special to him 
Blessings,
Krista
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Thank you for the words of encouragement, letting me know “this too shall pass”. Have a bless day.
Helen
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Love this piece of art. I’d hang it in my house too. It’s my colors. And I too know being on the outside. As a former wild child, I remember all too well being lost and hopeless and ashamed. But PRAISE GOD I know what it’s like to be welcomed home. Arms wide open, dinner waiting.
Thanks for bringing my heart home this morning.
God is good!
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Ah, good timing, as I have a loved one who feels this way, and it is hard to see her going through it. But God’s promises are ever-faithful, and I know He welcomes her with open arms. Thank you for this beautiful picture and Word!
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AMAZING! This is such a beautiful sharing. So thankful I’m not alone – being ‘outside’ – in this feeling and even more thankful that He welcome’s us back!
Hugs & Prayers, HL
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Lori, what a beautiful and insightful painting!
I’m so thankful that the Lord wants us to be on the inside with Him.
Blessings and love,
Debbie
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Fabulous post.
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