Oysters & Pearls
Oysters have the ability to coat the irritants until they become beautiful pearls
![Oysters and Pearls Abstract Painting Scarf Silk Scarf](https://i0.wp.com/www.pagesinajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/OystersAndPearls_300dpiEnSpots.jpg?fit=300%2C450&ssl=1)
![Abstract Art](https://i0.wp.com/www.pagesinajournal.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/WP_20171011_07_50_11_Rich.jpg?fit=350%2C622&ssl=1)
These abstract artworks are inspired by the nature of the oyster in the formation of pearls.
How Pearls are Formed
Pearls are formed when an irritant such as grains of sand or floating food works its way into an oyster or clam. The oyster or mollusk has a protective layer to protect its organs from these uninvited visitors or intruders. The oysters protective layer is called the mantle… now that’s interesting. Then as a defense mechanism a fluid from the oyster, squirts or coats the irritant, layer upon layer. This coating is called ‘nacre’ and it is deposited over the irritant until a pearl is formed. Nacre is also known as ‘Mother of Pearl’.
We can draw a spiritual parallel here. The oyster and pearls are a metaphor. We are to be like the oyster that coats the irritants that come into our life, with the ‘nacre’ of God’s love and forgiveness. This is a process that we keep doing, layer upon layer, until the pearl is formed. We have a mantle from God, to protect us as we bless the irritants and wait for them to become iridescent gems.