I’m not an artist. I’m better with words. At least, that’s what I’ve always believed, that’s what I’ve always told myself. I feel at home with a pen in my hand. It’s familiar and comfortable. I know what to do with it, and I am confident that the ink on the page will eventually produce something I can be content with. But, a paintbrush, not all that different in size and shape from my pen, feels utterly foreign and somehow makes me feel like a child again. That’s how this project started.

There’s no technically correct art. No syntax, grammar, logic, spelling. No thesis statement or five paragraphs. Art is free expression, spontaneous and authentic expression. Perhaps that freedom is what unnerves me. I prefer rules and order. But when I embrace that freedom, I am able to see things that all my rules and definition block out. I am able to pay attention to things that are often silenced.

Last spring, I started talking to Erin Leigh. I asked her to help me. I asked her to help me discover how I could use artistic expression that I knew made me weak to engage with God in new ways. I wanted to learn how to pray beyond folded hands and closed eyes. It was risky and scary, but I loved it. It was good, and I wanted to share it and bring others with me.

Today, months later, Creative Conversations With the Creator is the result. It’s put together as a kit, complete with a guide, pens, a quality watercolor palette and brush, practice sheets, a photograph focal point, and artwork by Erin Leigh.

Using the pieces included, you are invited to learn new ways to engage with God and put them into practice through several different projects that build on each other to bring the needs of the fatherless to the Father. Included is even an opportunity to return a piece to us to be handed as a gift to a child in China who waits.

Valued at approximately $50, we are making it available for those who make a suggested donation of at least $45 to The Sparrow Fund. Donations beyond the cost of producing the kits will be used to fund orphan care initiatives in China. Get your kit now while supplies last here. We are so excited to link arms with you as we go deeper together.

Given where our hearts are as the No Hands But Ours team, we’re not only encouraging readers to donate and receive a kit of their own, but we’re giving away one kit right here on our Facebook page. Just leave a comment, share and/or tag a friend to be entered – each will count as one entry and up to three entries per person. Giveaway ends Friday, August 26 and the winner will be selected at random and announced Monday on our FB page.