Colored glass has been produced since ancient times.  Both the Egyptians and the Romans excelled at the manufacture of small colored glass objects.  Stained glass as an art form reached it's height in the Middle Ages when it became a major pictorial form and was used to illustrate the narratives of the Bible to a largely illiterate populance.

How must it have felt to be an artisan entrusted by the church with this complex, important work?



                                            An Artisan's Faith

A Cheryl's Pals Collab
By Margie

This job was sent to me from heaven above
But feelings of doubt mess with my head
Am I worthy of this labor of love
Or will I fail my God instead?

In deep, terrible despair do I fall
My prayers keep falling on deaf ears
My soul is screaming, but no words will follow
Is it only the dark shadows of my fears?

God, give me a pattern to work your magic
Heavy heart full of grief and dread
The path ahead is dark and obscure
I fall wearily into my troubled bed

And like a dream it came to me
Revealing love's blueprints
Time after time the pattern repeats
On this message He did not stint

He sent forth the spirit of hopefulness
Put stained glass imprints on my soul
Danced a kaleidoscope through my mind
I saw my beautiful work, complete and whole

Sunlight softly glowing through fiery colors
A breath-taking sight to behold
Light imbued with rainbow hues
Capturing sacred moments in times of old

I see the floors colored prismatic
Candles emanating precious scents
Lingering here through the centuries
Praising our Lord's descent

Jewels of an offering that will be shared
As each person reflects on what they feel
Come close and you will see Heaven
His compassion and love revealed

If your heart is hollow and cold
Make the image of an angel on the wall
Light a candle in a stained glass window
Heed the holy angel's call

If you believe in magical things
In a world of beauty with endless dreams
Tranquility exists in a place like this
You'll know, at last, what peace of mind means

From this God-sent plan I won't deviate
He sent my humble talent as a tool
This wonder to create

I just have to shout, sing and dance
With this holy work entranced

Thanks to angst-ridden Pals:  Lady 'Cheryl' Death, Raiden, JT, Mary Ann, Colleen, My Evil Twin, Lost Soul Linda, Sheila A, Oracle, A-Rhodi, Vivi, Scotorum, Joskibear, Jeannete, Rabbitsage, Budding Artist, Linda, 70schild60ssoul, Copenator, Lady Seda, Butterfly, Wizthom, Angel Knight, Troy, Barbara