I learned how to cross-stitch (a form of embroidery) in the early 80’s when it was just becoming popular.  Although I had crocheted for a few years, I was skeptical of learning such detailed work with such comparatively tiny stitches.  Therefore I was extremely pleased when my first project was completed and I took it to show the lady who taught me.  She affirmed my skill and complimented me, but then startled me by saying it wasn’t finished yet.  I stared at her like I wasn’t sure what I heard, and she repeated it..it was not finished!

She then explained the last step to me by picking up a needle with black thread in it, and she began to outline the edge of each stitch with that black thread.  Then she told me I had to do every bit of the design (it was a teddy bear) with the black..not missing any stitches.  I smiled as I took it back from her, but inwardly I was groaning and complaining about the tedious task ahead of me!  And why BLACK??  Sure it was a big mistake, I finished and brought it back later..astonished at what I had learned!  

You see, as I outlined each section..paws, ears, bows, etc with black, they seemed to pop off the fabric with their colors!  Their shape became distinct, sharp, and uniquely beautiful as the black surrounded them.  As I worked and warched, I was amazed at the difference happening right in front of me.  A design that had been very pretty but “flat” looking, now had a wonderful 3D look!  Although in every design after that I never looked forward to the black thread stage, I endured it much better knowing what the end result would be.

So what’s the point?  Just this: those who are creative are not the only ones who use black!!  God ALSO uses black..evil..darkness..in our lives and in this world..and for the same reason!  He ALLOWS the enemy and living in a fallen world to “show off” HIS work -us (the cross-stitch design) for HIS glory!  He “outlines” His designing of us with sorrow, hardship, heartache, and sometimes tragedy…black “thread” in the Master’s hands!  And as we struggle with those things, we forget that God is seeing something amazing!  He is watching our image become more and more like Him, our colors (faith) popping off the fabric, and our testimony becoming unique and sharply in focus!

And that is when GOD receives all the credit.  When we are 3D, real children of His, trusting in Him, and overcoming the struggles, we bring vivid light and color to this dark and evil world….standing out from the other fabric.  That in turn makes people notice HIM in our lives, and cause them to desire Him in their own lives!  

So next time darkness closes in, and life is hard, just remember there is a Master Artist using black thread for His glory!