It's that time of year again ... once again the Cross is looming large. Last year the big thing was "by his stripes we are healed". This year it seems to be "When I am lifted up, I will draw all people to myself."
I know that whatever we do, whether inherited or emerging or pioneering or something else, it's all about leading people to encounter the crucified and risen Jesus. And if that happens, somehow the rest will take on its true perspective.
I'm becoming more and more convinced that the world does not need "professional" leaders, but rather leaders in whose lives the Cross & resurrection of Jesus are seen to be powerfully at work - through our weakness, brokenness and "unfinishedness". Leaders who will make it their aim to keep pointing people to Jesus, who refuse to gather a following for themselves, who are content to be signposts.
"Don't talk about it. The rose doesn't have to propagate its perfume. It just gives it forth and people are drawn to it. Don't talk about it. Live it. And people will come to see the source of your power." (Ghandi)
In the image, there are about 56,000 people in the crowd. I believe a time is coming when many, many more will be gathered in.
More creative stuff to come I think.
Dear Mr. Lyall, I am the International Director for a small mission that works to reach Deaf people worldwide for Christ.
WE have a website where we offer large banners to churches (on loan) for their annual missions conferences. We are in the process of making two new banners regarding the theme "Lift High the Cross." Instead of doing our own art work, we were so impressed with your work that we decided to ask permission to use it. The two banners would be 8 foot square. WE would need a high res file in order to do justice to your graphic. Would you please contact me at either 423-322-7995 or through davidbennett@swmi.org in order to discuss details and permission to use your challenging graphic. Thank you so very much. I look forward to hearing from you. Thank you for your diligent attention. God bless you, sir.
Posted by: David Bennett | January 06, 2012 at 08:43 PM
Mr. Lyall, I would like to use the image above, "Lift Up The Cross." I think it's an amazing image that you've created. I would like to use it for a flyer of sorts. Of course, that means it would be for commercial use, but it would be for a promotion of a religious nature.
Posted by: Bryant Smith | June 14, 2011 at 11:39 PM
I know I'm like the millionth person to ask this, but I too would like to use this picture. We're not talking about anything major, I just would like to hang it in my room. Thanks.
Posted by: Blake Buthod | April 12, 2011 at 10:53 PM
Wonderful Work. God Inspired, I am sure. Glory be to God.
Posted by: Steve | March 05, 2011 at 02:32 PM
Hello,
How can i get this picture best quality to make a big poster/framed picture?
Thanks
Posted by: Lisa Dean | July 23, 2010 at 08:06 PM
What an amazing picture. I would like to have your permission to use this picture for my puppet ministry. Preferrably in a quality that can be in poster size.
Posted by: Linda | June 16, 2010 at 04:55 PM
Hi - the Lord has been pressing upon me to start a website, and He showed me a picture, with the Scripture "if I be lifted up". After 'googling' those words, i found your picture immediately.
It was exactly what i'd seen in the vision.
Finding you was a little more tricky, but after a couple weeks, i finally found this page this morning!
Anyways, i would also like to ask your permission to use the picture "if I be lifted up", as the main heading picture on this new website adventure.
What do you think?
Please email me back, and if you like, i can give you some more information! thanks so much for even thinking about it. v.
Posted by: vicki | March 25, 2010 at 11:29 AM
Wow how awesome! I saw the picture and thought it was amazing, and then I realized that those were people and I almost cried! very powerful
Posted by: Shelby | March 12, 2010 at 03:15 AM
Came across your image on a web search - would like to use it for a musical logo. Is it available?
Posted by: Charles Brant | January 25, 2010 at 02:43 PM
Just came across your website from a google search for an image on God's glory. This is an amazing image. I hope you don't mind if I post it to my blog - I will link back to yours. I have been scrolling through your other works and words and have been blessed this morning!
Posted by: Nancy Kourmoulis | December 23, 2009 at 01:25 PM
Mr. Richard,
I am a 19 year old with a huge God given heart to start a ministry. When I stumbled above this photo, I almost began to cry. This photo represents what I had envisioned, what I see the world should, and will be like one day. We all will look upon the glory and splendor of the Cross, and stand in awe of Christ's unfailing love & majesty.
With that being said, I've been looking high and low of this photo as a poster. I just up until know had no idea it was designed by you. I did research on RKL and to my disappointment I could not find any information. I did some further research and was so pleased to find the creator of this awe-inspiring vision. So if possible, could I make this beautiful piece of art a poster to hang in the ministries' office? I am not trying to flatter you in anyway by calling it 'beautiful and awe-inspiring'. I truly mean every word of what I said describing this work of art. Thank you so much. You have no idea how inspiring this is to me.
In Christ,
Dan Pavlik
Posted by: Daniel Pavlik | September 06, 2009 at 06:13 AM
Hello,
How can i get this picture best quality to make a big poster (2,0 m x 1,5 m.)to set on the front wall oaf the sanctuary of my church?
Posted by: manuel cerezo | July 06, 2009 at 08:47 PM
Dear Richard
Presently I find myself in Honduras as a missionary evangelist.The mayor has given us 3 days to do a massive crusade and would like to have t-shirts lifting up the Cross made for the labororers and workers that will be evangelizing city wide from many churches as one body the power of the Cross. the city is under great fear as the violence has increased to a greater level.I believe that what is going to happen in February is a mighty outpouring of Gods power.The vision for the city is as God gave it to you in Lift up the Cross,
Posted by: Ruth Rosado | December 06, 2008 at 07:27 PM
Beautiful, Richard! I would like to ask you about permission to use this image (and perhaps others) in a video project - can you email me? I couldn't find a contact form or email address to contact you directly.
Posted by: Karen Ellrick | October 09, 2008 at 08:11 AM
Richard,
'Lift up the Cross'
This is inspirational! Past, present and future all in one vision. Tremendous artwork. I have a book being printed called 'Slaves, Sinners and Saints' It begins with my slave ancestor, continues with his son, a 'ranter' (Camp Meeting preacher - 1807) and continues thru today into the future which your work displays beautifully. May I have your permission to use it on the front cover of the book please? Every blessing, Cedric Barber
Posted by: Cedric Barber | July 03, 2008 at 05:35 PM
Inspiring Photo. Love it! would it be possible for me to use part of this picture for a design for a school Magazine? I attend St Catherine's College and i think it would be appropriate to use this photo as it relates to Christianity.
I Would really appreciate it if you let me use this photo.
Please email me to confirm that this is okay.
Yours Sincerely.
Amanda
Posted by: Amanda | June 09, 2008 at 11:16 PM
Greetings in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A close friend of mine that is producing my album saw your picture on google. I am truly inspired by your composition. I wanted to know if you could call me at your earliest convenience in regards to using your piece with an upcoming music project that I am working on. Thank you for your time and support. My email address is nathaniel_cook2002@yahoo.com God bless you brother.
Posted by: Nathaniel Cook | July 20, 2007 at 05:27 AM
Good gracious, this picture is amazing. I set it as my desktop background for Easter. Simply gorgeous. Did you create all those humans digitally? I keep looking for a back of a head that looks like mine. It reminds me very much of Revelation, where John sees all the great multitides standing before Christ. Thank you for creating it; it's very inspiring.
Posted by: Dave | April 16, 2007 at 03:47 AM
wonderful :)
Posted by: Lorna | April 09, 2007 at 05:31 PM
love it.
love it.
love it.
Posted by: maryann | April 07, 2007 at 10:12 PM
Hi Richard, incredibly powerfull, the gravity of the image seems to pull you right in.
I also posted the image over on Poasis, with a huge thankyou for participating in this years interactive/creative Lenten event, " Sorrow to Glory."
http://poasis.blogspot.com/2007/04/guy-behind-chilling-out-reflective.html
May the reality of this season, cause our spirits to tremble in awe. Peace...Ron+
Posted by: ron | April 05, 2007 at 09:40 PM
Absolutely beautiful and I think you're right on the money. My only question is (as a pastor) - if there are no "professionals", will I still have a job?
Posted by: pistol pete | March 30, 2007 at 09:38 PM
wow. don't talk about it. the ghandi quote and your picture are powerful. i'm in agreement here.
Posted by: bek | March 30, 2007 at 12:49 AM
Wow - that's even more amazing than how you described it! K
Posted by: Kate W | March 23, 2007 at 11:58 PM