Paintings by Artist: Brian F. M. Barlow

Wednesday, December 22, 2010

A Christmas Song by Brian Barlow

A Christmas Song
By Brian F. M. Barlow
In a world full of gifts packaged shiny and new
How is it that so many seem so blue
We rush all around from here to there
Hoping we’ll finish our lists in order to prepare
Coming home for some will never be 
But a memory of years past gathered around the tree
Perhaps this is why it appears hope is lost
For some life is just to big of a cost
They live alone in a world full of fear
Or at least it seems like they’ve lost their cheer
Plastic smiles are shared among strangers at best
For they are on the outside when they past by all the rest
Alone in the world is what the Liar will chant
Convincing the lost soul “This Jesus” just can’t
Understand what they feel or worse yet, even care
Because the Babe in the manger had nothing to share
He came without tinsel without ribbons and bows
He didn’t even have a home to call his own
The smells he first remembered were not cinnamon or cloves
But the dusty smell of animals sheltered from the cold
Then in the quiet of the night we hear a true song
From the battle field, the hospital, the streets bold and strong
It quiets the Liar as it grows in Glory at great length
Telling the Truth about Jesus of His Love and Strength
Alone He knows very well in this song
It’s something He’s been many times all along
When finally He chose to be on that tree
He took loneliness away for You and for Me
So you see dear one in this Holiday Cheer
I AM with you, you’re not alone for I AM near
Rest in My Truth and quiet your heart
Listen closely, invite Me in so we’ll never be a part

Friday, November 12, 2010

Christmas is Coming - Give an Inspirational Gift!

Jesus came to testify to the Truth. Let's remember this Christmas Season to raise up the only name the came to set captives free!

Stolen Child - By Brian Barlow

This image was taken from my journal. I drew it several years ago. God's promises are real and while wounds from our childhood can be painful, He promises to heal and restore. A few weeks ago while on a mountain retreat, I believe the Holy Spirit inspired this poem to comfort and heal me, my hope is it will encourage you.

Stolen Child by Brian F. M. Barlow



He is running in the wrong direction
Longing to return to the innocence of his youth
Only to have it stolen by someone else’s recreation
A lie was given in exchange for the Truth
Once happy, playful, and carefree 
He explored God’s creation, he thought, “It’s made just for me!”
When in that moment, in the shadow of that day
That little child’s heart was broken, his life stolen away
Wounded and confused he cried out for help
“Do this the preacher said, Do this and be clean”
He warned do not fail do not fail in your attempt
For in that moment you’ll surely lose, cast out in contempt
Fail in his efforts he surely did
Hopeless as he aged, soon tears he no longer shed
Fear and Despair were now his guide
Pride trying to hide the emptiness inside
Is there any hope for someone like me?
Pure once before and made clean before Thee
Stained with life and loss, I could only hope to be
Loved once again from this prison set free
Dear Lord, do not forget me
Take my life and let it be
Open my heart my eyes to see
What it is to be loved and free
Take the lies, the hurt, the ashes
From the deepest wounds of my soul
I choose to give You the bondage
Finally to know Truth and be made whole
I see the tears that Truth shed for me
His dear sweet blood poured out on Calvary
His voice full of power when He proclaimed
It is finished, bowed His head, broken and maimed
Then on that day, Truth rose from the dead
His wounded hands touched my face and said
This life you once had stolen, I’ve taken back for you
My dear child, unblemished, full of hope, You are NEW!

Thursday, November 11, 2010

On Location at Kellogg's DC - Los Angeles, CA

It's fun and exciting to have this commission. God has really provided. His promises to give us a future and a hope never fail! I'm learning that each day.  

Sunday, August 22, 2010

Wednesday, August 18, 2010

Remeber Me

(A Poem Inspired by personal growth and through the eyes of the thief on the cross)

By Brian F. M. Barlow
If I were to choose a place to be, It would be next to You on that tree. Eyes filled with tears, my heart clearly knows the wasted years. I look to You to know, desperately hoping You won’t go. You see all of my life. Every part has value, a mystery I don’t understand. Living here I struggle, I fight , I make my demands. In return, Your Love, Your mercy offers me a wounded hand. How could I know, How could I understand. The mystery of a gift freely given impossible by any other man. 
My lies, my shame hang beside You. 
Looking and asking You to remember me. Your gaze filled with compassion gives me hope. You spoke and I knew there is no other Name, No other Truth. You alone have prepared a place for me. 
You Remember Me.