Taking the former painting of “The Good Shepherd” from psalm 23, painted two days after Sandy Hook in the midst of our darkest hour of horror and grief, I prophetically chose to paint over the lower half of darkness to symbolize the dawn of a new season.  Brady spoke of us rising up, standing with our shoulders squared, a fire in our eyes, with a “Holy Defiance” to walk out from the valley of death.  We may journey to this pit, but it is not our permanent home.  Our time here will end!  And as God leads us out of the valley, the gates of hell will fall before us- impotent to hold us in, and from the volcanic ash of the wasteland at our feet will burst forth an abundance of new life.  I realized that these two paintings are more like psalm 22 and 23 together: the former iteration as Psalm 22 “My God, my God, why have you forsaken me?...”, and the new more fully now as Psalm 23.

Psalm 23 : 4

4 Even when I walk
    through the darkest valley,
I will not be afraid,
    for you are close beside me.
Your rod and your staff
    protect and comfort me.

My heartfelt thanks to Brian Henderson of 47 Moments Photography for these amazing pictures!!

The highlight of the morning for me was feeling a gentle tug on the back of my leg, only to find my four-year-old daughter Kea on stage with me.  I could tell from her wiggling and radiant smile that she was moved by the music and wanted to dance- she was just waiting for permission.  We shared a few precious and joyful minutes dancing, singing, and praying together.  She told me later that afternoon that she had wanted to paint with me too!  Next time babe, we’ll bring your painting clothes. :)