Loving Our Veterans
Canvas 48” x 24”
Painted live on November 10th, 2019
[Not For Sale]
Artist Statement
“Greater love hath no man than this, that a man lay down his life for his friends." John 15:13 (KJV)
When Pastor Reggie Trotter, introduced to me by a mutual friend Jason Buck, invited me to paint a special event to honor our veteran’s at Prayer House Sanctuary on Veteran’s Day weekend, I was excited and nervous. I wanted to express the spirit of this moment well. At the beginning of the service, I had several possible vague images in my mind, but none seemed right. So, I just closed my eyes, focused on Jesus’ sacrifice, and danced to the powerful music and praise that filled the sanctuary. Wow, so intense! I got an image of a soldier kneeling down at a grave--mourning the loss of a fallen brother, bearing the weight of war. Several veteran’s got up to tell their stories of victory over trauma, depression and addiction. Reggie's daughter read a poem, the children dedicated a dance, and still others dedicated songs, prayers and thanks (and later served up some fantastic food.) I was moved to tears by the outpouring of love for the brave hurting veterans who have put their lives on the line to protect America. Then, in the painting, I saw the Family of Christ surrounding that veteran and sheltering him with their care.
Reggie delivered a forceful message about leaving the pain of the past, and turning toward the future with hope because of what Christ has done! Reggie said that before we even knew Jesus, he loved us and died to set us free, but to experience this hard won freedom we, too, must also die. So, the kneeling figure also represents each of us at the moment we realize we can’t do life on our own independent of God. It’s the moment of complete surrender: we allow Jesus to BE our strength, courage, goodness--our EVERYTHING!! I can’t believe I painted this picture. It was him! Jesus is ALIVE; he's ready and willing to act IN and THROUGH YOU to fight for the freedom of others!!