“Game Changer” (Banksy 2020)
No art series would be complete without an appearance from Banksy the subversive and secretive street artist renowned for his novel, comic and often ironic artwork and installations (see www.banksy.co.uk for more examples).
This piece, called ‘Game Changer’, is currently on display at Southampton General Hospital. It pays tribute to the NHS and reflects on the NHS’ staff who have found hero status practically overnight. It shows a boy playing with a nurse superhero toy, with figures of Batman and Spider-Man discarded in a bin. The nurse, wearing a face mask and a white apron featuring a red cross, has her arm raised as if she is flying, with a cape fluttering behind her.
Banksy’s art sells for millions. He left a note for hospital workers, saying: “Thanks for all you’re doing. I hope this brightens the place up a bit, even if it’s only black and white.” The piece will be auctioned to raise money for NHS charities, when lock-down is over.
A Game Changer is a person or thing that dramatically changes the course, strategy, character, etc., of something or a situation.
In my distress I cried unto the LORD, and He heard me.
(Psalms 120:1)
Notice the word “and“? That’s when our real Game Changer steps in!
The world still faces distress and potentially devastating circumstances. Without God, there is no “and” in our lives. We cry and there is no ONE to hear us, that can actually help us.
Being a Christian doesn’t promise a life without distress and devastating circumstances; however, we can count on Jesus to hear our cry in times of distress. He hears our prayers AND he’s the one we can count on to take action. He cannot fail; he will not fail you nor me!
Rev. Jim Williams
