Perseverance

The imagery in this particular work was/is intimately linked to several difficult experiences, namely the passing of my father in 2005, which carried... more

by Michelle McSpadden

Title

Perseverance

Artist

Michelle McSpadden

Medium

Painting - Acrylic

Description

The imagery in this particular work was/is intimately linked to several difficult experiences, namely the passing of my father in 2005, which carried over into the painting.

Symbolism in the painting:
* The dawning of a new day. A new beginning after a long hard night.
* Huge mountains of trial, hardship or struggle are much smaller once we look at them from a distance. They are no longer difficult for us and what was once harsh and foreboding, is now recognized as a great lesson learned because of the sweet fruit that endurance has produced.
* Dead Tree – death
* The rocks – representational of Christ, the Rock of our faith. Strong, sturdy, and permanent. A foundation to stand and lean upon that provides shade & rest during times of scorching heat and extreme testing.
* The cross – in this piece stands for Jesus, taking the faith to the unsaved, carrying heavy burdens, the hope we have when we hold onto Jesus, and being led by Him. (In religious art, blue is symbolically used for depicting things in the heavenly realm.)

The figure
*Face – at peace recollecting the blessing of God's goodness to His children, whom He loves.
* Bald head – representational of being naked in front of God. Nothing is hidden from His view.
*Stature – dignified, strong and ready to move forward
*Hands and arms – The hands are tenderly holding the cross. The grip is neither too tight nor too relaxed… The arms are in mid movement of pulling the cross up to the chest in order for it to rest there as close to the heart as possible. Imagine the movement in your minds’ eye.

If you are ascending a mountain and find your strength drying up, don't forget to drink in His living water as often as you can. This will refresh your soul and soothe your heart. As you climb, keep looking up to Him. What is below you is behind you. He's calling you upwards and onwards. Don't quit. Once you have reached the summit you will view your climb differently. When you get further away from the mountain and look back at it, you will see how beautiful it was/is because of what Father God did in you along the way. Enjoy the journey to where you are going. Look for the Rock and rest in His shade. Always remember to carry your cross courageously. Pull it up to your chest and close to your heart. Draw near to Him and let Him take hold of you….you will be changed and you will lack for no good thing; He will be your provision.


** All images are © by Michelle McSpadden, and may not be copied, transferred, duplicated or used in any way without expressed written permission **

Uploaded

September 17th, 2019

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