When I asked if I could be a minister, my intention was to do service with art.\u00a0 In 1989, I had no idea how\u00a0that would manifest in my life.\u00a0 The part of my ministry that still challenges me is to do it no matter what situation, place, or circumstance.<\/p>\n
During the COVID-19 pandemic, my nieces, being teenagers, were stressed and having some anxiety.\u00a0 Although my sister was not expressing it, I could see her depression as well.\u00a0 Having studied at USM and taken all the teachings of DSS, I taught them how to use art for healing and co-creating with the inner child.\u00a0 My sister had so much fun that she created a family business called La Buena Paint Parties.\u00a0 So, there went my retirement as an art teacher, and I was called forward to minister to all through art.<\/p>\n
We have done paint parties in many places and situations, such as\u00a0for companies, families, friends, and even children with cancer.\u00a0 I have observed that people crave\u00a0socializing in simple, healthy, and loving ways.\u00a0 Painting is safe and brings forward peacefulness and connectivity for individuals from all walks of life.\u00a0 The kinship develops by just having mutual support and the joy of creating a simple work of art. The recipe is not to be a shadow artist – no negative talk to yourself or others – but just have fun.<\/p>\n
I specifically created an inner-child painting party.\u00a0 I guide the participants through a meditation in which they connect to the inner child, who is the artist.\u00a0 They bring their inner child into the painting party, and it is all about having fun and expressing love for themselves and others.<\/p>\n
I do, however, find myself being tested to maintain my ministerial consciousness and stay authentic and real no matter what the situation or circumstance; some people we paint with can be a challenge.\u00a0 For example, we were asked by Endeavors, which serves Border Patrol and their families, to have painting parties.\u00a0 My personal frustrations with the politics of Border Patrol have hit me hard.\u00a0 I live in El Paso, Texas, a border city, and I have family and friends in the United States and Mexico.\u00a0 I see and hear stories that break my heart and sometimes leave me shaking.\u00a0 Yet, in my ministry I am going beyond any situation, circumstances, and environment.\u00a0 I have experienced these people and their families to be loving and precious.\u00a0 These families have high rates of divorce and suicide.\u00a0 I believe we are helping them clear\u00a0negativity through our painting parties, and I have observed that painting and sharing food and art supplies brings them happiness in very simple and ordinary ways.\u00a0 We have families that are regulars and others that join us at our other painting parties as well.\u00a0 I have learned that no matter where you stand in politics, we all have the same desire to experience love.<\/p>\n
I know that one of my biggest supports in doing my ministry is that I have stayed in DSS non-stop since 2009 – as a student, reader, Practical Treatise reader, and now a translator.\u00a0 \u00a0Although service has stretched me in unexpected ways, I know that getting out of my comfort zone is really me walking with the Christ as the Traveler laughs in my heart.\u00a0 I keep expanding in my ministry as I serve all of us in the oneness of living love.\u00a0 My biggest challenge is to get out of the way and let Spirit do the work.\u00a0 And when I do, I realize that I am blessed because I get to see and understand that we are the blessings.<\/p>\n
Love and Light to all,<\/p>\n
Lucia Parga-Navarro<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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