One day several years ago, I was writing in Leiper’s Fork, Tennessee. I used to love to take my laptop and a blanket to a little spot I found, and I would write away, just enjoying the beautiful outdoors and my solitude with God. There’s an art gallery in Leiper’s Fork called the David Arms Gallery. It’s located next to Puckett’s, for those familiar with the area. I stopped in Puckett’s to pick up some water and a snack for Michala on my way to pick her up from school and had a little more time to kill. I wandered into the studio next to Puckett’s and was absolutely blown away from the moment I walked inside.
I knew a little about David Arms’ work from seeing it hanging in the homes of some friends, and I had a card of his artwork I thought was so beautiful, I kept it in a frame on my desk. There was also a famous bumper sticker everyone would see around town. It said, “IGBOK.” What it stood for: It’s Gonna Be OK.” David Arms and a friend of his, Lloyd Shadrach came up with the saying. (Some background: They took it to their friend, Gregg Turner who said it was a message of hope they needed to get out there for everyone, and the bumper stickers were created, then the message exploded).
I knew I wanted to visit the place housing the artwork and inspiration from this fellow believer, so I was excited to walk through the gallery.
What is so unique and special about David’s place is it is inside an old barn. The barn has been renovated, and quite frankly, it feels like you are walking into someone’s grandmother’s home. It does not feel like a store or a gallery. It feels like you are in a home, yet also a place of worship.
The afternoon I walked in, there was only one other person there making a purchase, and the gentleman working. There was soft music playing hymns, and I immediately felt the presence of the Holy Spirit. This was during an exceptionally tumultuous time in my life. I was extremely depressed, fear all but consumed me, and I felt there was no way out of my current situation. As I strolled through looking at the art, I was mesmerized to see each piece shares a message with both a scripture and David’s symbolism telling a beautiful story.
Several pieces stopped me in my tracks, and I cannot ever remember art moving me to tears, but this art did. I will never forget one piece was an outdoor image of the sky, but a sticky note taped to it was painted on the art, “Fear Not, I’m With You.” This was the one to create the lump in my throat. I will never forget standing there on those creaking old floors, “Fear Not, Aimee, I’m With You,” seemed to speak to me.
Another one was a bird (as many, many, many of his pieces are) on a limb, “His mercies never come to an end, they are new every morning.” - Lamentations 3:22-23 and the other was a bird on a swing, “Be still and know.” (Psalm 46:10). Before I knew it, I had tears streaming down my face. Embarrassed, I wiped away my tears and smiled as the gentleman who was working finished at the register with the other woman and walked over to me. “Hello there. How are you today?” he asked me.
I smiled and just gushed. “I cannot believe how beautiful these pieces are. The artist has such an incredible gift. I feel like this is a tiny glimpse into Heaven, being here. It is so evident The Holy Spirit guides him in his work. He is so talented!” I kept gushing. The gentleman smiled at me, extended his hand and said, “Thank you. I’m David Arms.”
Ellie Mae goes to an art gallery. I felt so ignorant. But David could not have been more gracious. His kindness exuded through his every word.
I got to spend a little bit of time talking with David, and his love for Jesus just pierces through your soul as he gently speaks. I purchased some note cards and bookmarks that day and left feeling sad I had to leave, yet refreshed. I gave my mom and grandmother each, one of the bookmarks. Grandmother was so happy. She loved God and she loved birds. It delighted my soul to see her smile as she held and read her new bookmark.
Friends, as David and his friends said, “IGBOK.” It’s gonna be ok.
Fear not, God is with you. And His mercies never come to an end. They are new every morning.
And if you are ever in Nashville, take a drive out to Leiper’s Fork and visit David’s studio. It is an exceptional experience.