Velvet Steel

Because I am frequently asked about my avatar, pictured left, I thought it might be good to blog about.  When asked why I don’t post a picture of myself for my profile, the short answer is:  

I’m not keen on posting my mug on the internet.

The long answer is:

I’ve been using this symbol of the sword and soft cloth, this artwork by Alan Ayers, for about 5 years now on various internet places as it well represents what I’m about or rather, what I’m striving toward.  

Much earlier than this, I was sitting in a small rural Baptist Church one Sunday morning when the pastor gave a moving sermon in which he used a striking metaphor.  He likened our spiritual growth in Christ as “velvet-steel” and this created a vivid mental image for me, one in which the reality of theosis or some might say, sanctification, is clear.

Velvet-Steel simply means to have the words of God inscribed upon my heart so firmly as to be unwavering, unyielding as steel.  And yet, to be enfolded in gentleness, kindness, peace, love and humility so that those I meet may be inclined to know the sword, the Truth.