Kentucky Chaplain David Chaltas

I was saddened by her image. I was ashamed of my lack of effort to save her. I felt helpless as I saw her tears and longed to hold her. I cried as I gazed upon the ravages of mankind. But I did nothing to ease her suffering. I simply sat back and acted like nothing was happening.

I am talking about my dear friend’s Jeff Chapman Crane’s latest work of art entitled, Agony of Gaia (Copyright 2004, Jeff Chapman-Crane. All rights reserved). Its essence is breathtaking. For over sixteen years and with over 2,000 hours of devotion, Jeff worked on a masterpiece and has captured a vision that defies mortal words. His sculpture entails our Mother Earth, in the persona of a lady (Gaia), lying on her side as the rages of mankind strip away her flesh and tear into her very body, leaving exposed bones and blood. As she covers her face in agony, the tears can be seen running down her hands. Her ribs lie exposed to the elements, as bulldozers and trucks take from her the very essence of life. Her beauty ebbs with each sweep of the mining equipment. Slowly she is being devoured until she expires.

It reminded me of a place and time so long ago that also haunts my being. The place is called Calvary and the time is the crucifixion of Christ. Our Lord took upon His shoulders my sins and slowly offered His life for mine. “He was despised and rejected by men, a Man of sorrows and acquainted with grief, and we hid, as it were our faces from Him; He was despised, and we did not esteem Him.” (Isaiah 53:3) He was bruised for my iniquities. He was nailed to the tree to pay atonement for me. He was mocked and treated without regard of life. He was wounded for my transgressions. HE bore my stripes and my shame. He was ravaged for my sins. He died for me. Would I have done the same for Him?

When will we take up the banner for Christ? When will be unashamed to say that we are of the Christian faith and embrace the principles openly. When will we fight for our God given rights as well as our constitutional rights to pray in public schools, and speak out when evil or wrong is being done? Jeff’s marvelous work entitled Agony of Gaia reminded me and I will be forever grateful for the image that has been etched within my soul’s chambers. Let us be in one accord and declare to the world that we will unashamedly speak the name of Christ, proclaim Him as king and treat the earth, our dear mother, with greater respect. For this we are bidden to do. Thank you Jeff and Sharman for the reminder. I shall always remain your obedient servant, The Old General. The pictures of his sculpture are used by permission of Jeff Chapman Crane.