I’ve always had a fascination with angels and a desire to be in their presence. There have been several times in my life when I believed at any moment an angel would appear. I have wondered what they would look like, would they be so bright my eyes could hardly see? Would they be transparent? Would they hover above the air? Would I be afraid if one actually came? The thing I never considered was the conditions for an angel to appear. In the Bible angels usually appear during a moment of extreme difficulty: God sent an angel to Daniel to shut the mouths of the lions (Dan 6:22), an army of angels appeared to help save the Israelites from the Syrians (2 Kings 6:17), an angel appeared to warn Joseph of the decree of Herod to kill every baby boy, and told him to take his family and flee to Egypt (Matthew 2:13), angels appeared to strengthen the Savior after the temptations of Satan (Matthew 4:11).
In recent months I too found myself in direr circumstances, as I watched my first-born son struggle and fight for his life in the hospital. He experienced weeks of neurological “storming” and the convulsing was almost more than I could bear. There were many nights that I pled for Heavenly Father to just take away all the pain, and make my son whole and new. I longed for the day that I would be able to take my little boy home and get back to life as usual. I pled that Heavenly Father would perform a miracle and heal Him. As I stood by my son’s bedside, night after night, I thought often of the most extreme of all cases, as the Savior suffered in Gethsemane. The Savior of the World pled:
“Abba, Father, all things are possible unto thee; take away this cup from me: nevertheless not what I will, but what thou wilt.” (Mark 14:36)
But the Father could not remove the cup, for it was necessary for the salvation of all mankind, and so instead,
“…there appeared an angel unto Him from heaven, strengthening Him.” (Luke 22:43)
And likewise, it was not God’s will to let this cup pass from my son, or from me, for it must have been necessary for our progression, but instead there appeared a whole host of angels to strengthen us. I came to understand during this time, more than any other point in my life, what an angel truly is. Some come from heaven and we can feel them strengthening our souls and giving us power to go on. But many, many, are on earth and they hold us when we can’t stand anymore, and they cry with us and wipe away our tears, they made sure we were taken care of physically and financially. I’ve never felt so humbled or so grateful.
This painting is my tribute to all those that appeared to help us during this mighty storm and who continue to stand by us, even as we cope with the grief following it’s passing.
Thank you.
16" x 20" oil on linen
19 comments:
Your artworks are sophisticated!
I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
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That is a great painting...and description of angels. We miss seeing you guys at church. Hope you have as Merry of a Christmas as possible.
Looks like Sarah.... I am sure she was one of the hosts. She loved you too much not to be there.
Very well written and painted, jenedy.
Heavenly peace be unto you and your family.
The Egglestons are angels. We are blessed when we are in your presence and to be considered your friends.
Oh Jenedy I love this! Beautiful description. Thanks for sharing.
i don't think you could have put it any more beautiful...i love the story behind the painting, but also love the understanding of the experience behind it all. you are simply amazing and an angel sent on this earth to teach us all to enjoy this life and work for eternal families in the hereafter.
Jenedy... you are such an inspiration to me. I can't fathom what you and your sweet family have been going through, but I'm very sure angels are indeed watching over you and comforting you! Beautiful painting. Your talents are awesome!
I am so sorry for your loss. I've been through eerily similar circumstances, different outcome, but painful nonetheless.
Your painting is beautiful. You probably don't feel very strong, but you have given me strength today.
Peace and healing for you and your family.
Jenedy, I absolutely LOVE this painting AND I love the message you shared. You are touching lives and sharing a very strong message through your artwork. Mission accomplished :)
Beautiful testimony in word and paint. I love you. I'm admirable of your strength. Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
what a great artwork!
You have such a beautiful gift with a paint brush, as well as the words that flow from your mind. I love that you give background thoughts to your art. Beautiful.
BEAUTIFUL....you have definately been an angel in my life!
Your painting is so beautiful and extremely powerful.....even before I read your words. Your words, however, give it life. I understood every word, felt every word because I, too , have watched and prayed by my dying son's bedside. Thank you so much for sharing your talent and your wisdom.
This is so beautiful. The tears are just pouring down my cheeks. I have witnessed the miracle of peace. I pray your family will continue to be blessed with these angels.
Such beautiful depiction and description! You have an angelic heart, testimony, and painter's hand. I know angels live amongst us to bear us up.
I was out working in the yard today without my little helper. I moved a plant that he had stepped on more than once and my heart ached to have him out there driving me crazy, I mean helping me again.
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