"We have art so we shall not die of reality."

Quote by Friedrich Nietzsche

There's an art niche in the hallway just outside my master bedroom.

It's a space approximately 2.5 feet deep by 4 feet tall that has remained empty since I purchased my home. I never knew exactly what to do with this area; so it has been void of any purpose or function.

I would walk by this nook on a daily basis and think to myself.....what a waste of space!

It's a relatively prominent place, near the entry of this home. It feels like it deserves a treasure to showcase. There's even a special lighting mechanism built in the ceiling to illuminate and show off the cherished object that should be housed here.

It should be a place of reverence.

But then one day, the script completely flipped over this space.

This place that was meant to be special, suddenly became a dark and haunting hole.

That single alcove began to evoke tremendous fear and anxiety in me on a daily basis as I would come and go from my bedroom.

You see, this little cavity became the battle ground of where my greatest terrors began.

It's one of several places throughtout my home that my perpetrator assaulted me.

He picked me up, forced me into this empty shell, pressed his 6'4, 250 lb. body against my small frame while pinning and pushing with all his force as he verbally and physically attacked me.

Following the asault, I was diagnosed with trauma induced PTSD.

This was one of many places throughout my home that would trigger me and send me spiraling down a dark hole of depression and fear.

I tried relocating to another bedroom, but it felt like I was a visitor in my own home.

Your bedroom is your most intimate sanctuary and should be a haven, to rest and recharge.

Yet entering and exiting through this crime scene envoked night terrors, constant anxiety, and horrific flashbacks.

My trauma therapist and I spoke about this space often. He suggested that I re-design the area in an effort to reset an intention.

Perhaps, I could dry-wall the expanse and create a solid wall where I could hang a beautiful painting or object that would bring peace and joy.

But a nagging feeling deep down inside me, kept saying....you can't just cover over the evil. The darkness will still remain.

So, I prayed and prayed over this particular place in my home for months.

I began researching local contractors and studied Pinterest boards. I stalked online art auctions and estate sales. I was determined to find just the right artwork or architectural object that would bring light and levity back to this space.

Then out of the blue one weekend, I decided to take a solo road trip to the Texas Hill Country.

Over breakfast in Fredericksburg, a sweet lady sitting at the counter beside me, told me about a neighboring town called Comfort. She was adamant that I check out the shops along High Street. For starters, It would get me out of the large crowds in town that I have come to loathe; and secondly, an afternoon of treasure hunting was right up my alley.

So, I grabbed a coffee to-go and set off for an afternoon adventure.

As soon as stepped into the Comfort Antique Mall, my heart was giddy with excitement.

This establishment is chalked full of glorious antiquities. It felt as if I walked into a real life episode on HGTV. I just knew Chip and Joanna Gaines might pop up around a corner.

I was in heaven!

I wasn't five minutes into this treasure trove when the Hallelujah Chorus started playing in stereo in my mind and the entire place turned technicolor!

Now listen, I've been known to utilize the gift of hyperbole when I am adamantly making a point.

But I'm telling you friend....and this is no exaggeration....suddenly before me stood the most beautiful, hand carved, gynornous statue that I have ever laid my eyes on. I swear to goodness, there was a light radiating from it. HALLELUJAH! HALLELUJAH, HALLELUJAH. HAAAALEEEELUUUUUUUUUJAAHHH!!!

Let's be real here.

Exactly how many times have those thoughts ever rolled around in your head?

Well I can tell you.....as for me.......never!

I literally felt something immediately shift in my soul.

And I couldn't take my eyes off of this masterpiece!

I stood in awe of this magnificent deity for what seemed an eternity, but was surely only seconds, maybe minutes.

I wanted to touch it.

I wanted to feel the smooth surface of the wood.

I wanted to know how heavy it was.

It's possible I caressed it in a very inappropriate manner.

I literally couldn't take my eyes or my hands off of it.

It was the most magnificent thing I have ever seen.

And I immediately knew it was going home with me.

Dare, I look at the price tag!

It didn't take long for the sales lady to notice me fondling the giant deity and she made her way over.

In an attempt to regain my composure, I inquired about its origin and meaning.

"Let me introduce you to the Archangel Raphael, whom was first mentioned in the Book of Torbit and in Enoch, dating from the last few centuries before Christ."

Ughh........the only part of that introduction that made sense to me was, "before Christ".

So, I did what I always do when something baffles me.

I broke out my fancy google machine.

Over a sandwich at the cafe inside the antique mall, the google searching on my iPhone began.

In the Jewish tradition, The Archangel Raphael, became identified as one of three heavenly visitors entertained by Abraham at the Oak of Mamre. He is not named in either the New Testament or the Quran, but later Christian tradition identified him with healing and as the angel that stirred the water in the Pool of Bethesda in John 5:2-4. In Islam, his name is Israfti, and he is understood to be the unnamed angel of Quran 6:73, standing eternally with a trumpet to his lips and ready to announce the Day of Judgement. This Archangel is typically attributed to holding a bottle or flask; sounding a trumpet, or carrying a fish and a staff. His patronage includes happy meetings for travelers, lovers, being a healer of mental health or illness, and a guardian or angel of those who suffer from nightmares.

In Christianity, the New Testament names only two archangels; Michael and Gabriel (Luke 1:9-26, Jude 1:9; Revelation 12:7). But Raphael because of his association with healing, became identified with the unnamed angel of John 5:1-4; the angel who periodically stirred the pool of Bethesda "and when he went down first into the pond after the motion of the water was made whole of whatsoever infirmity he lay under."

The Catholic Church accordingly, links Raphael with Michael and Gabriel as saints whose intercession can be sought through prayer.

Needless to say, I was SOLD!

It took two salespeople to load that enormous statue into the backseat of my sedan.

And there, Raphael laid out like a fallen angel, stretching out from door to door and requiring two safety belts to harness him in.

Hold on little buddy! You're in for a ride.

I know just where we're heading next!

There were so many lessons for me to unwrap from this experience.

For starters, whatever dark pit (or niche) that's currently haunting you, know that God knows exactly where you are. He sees you. He has bottled your tears and has plans to prosper you. He will find you.

When anxiety and depression creep in, take time to rest your intention and recreate or change whatever space in your life that isn't bringing you joy.

Be willing to face your fear with a Holy Boldness and reclaim your peace.

And lastly, always remember, YOU are a work of art. At times you might feel beautifully broken, but know that you will be wholly remade.