Big Ben Clock Tower -- 5 X 7 Sepia Pen and Ink on Parchment
Big Ben is not the name of the clock tower shown, rather, it is the name given to the bell inside. This tower, officially named Elizabeth Tower, stands beside the Houses of Parliament in the Palace of Westminster along the River Thames in London. For more than 150 years, the tower has served as an icon for the city of London and the United Kingdom as a whole. The iconic representation remains so strong that often when one sees the tower, one thinks "London". When London is mentioned, many think Big Ben.
Such icons are all around us. The glow of two golden arches alerts us that McDonald's is near, the Statue of Liberty represents a nation's freedom, a picture of Michael Jordan turns the mind to basketball.
What about you and me? Is it possible that we represent something more? a family? a business? a broader culture? or perhaps something of the eternal? When others see us, do they see a love that represents a greater kingdom ruled by a God who in very essence is love?
