"Helping children in need around the world"

"Lord Of Mercy"

       This painting of Jesus Christ is based on several scriptural references but mainly it is based on the writings of Isaiah and specifically on a statement that he makes repeatedly "...and His hand is outstretched still." 

       The stylized storm clouds in the background are symbolic of the trials, turmoils, chaos, and destruction that sometimes seem to be so prevalent in this world and what a contrast that is to the solid stability, strength, peace and calmness that are offered by the Savior.

       The red robe represents the fact that the atonement has already been accomplished, that our Redeemer has already taken on all of the sins that have been both committed by us and committed against us and also that He bled from every pore as He took on all of our pain. The atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ was not only done to wash away our sins but also to heal every weakness and every wound, the atonement was for every single thing that breaks our hearts and makes us cry.

       The purplish blue wrap is the color of royalty and signifies that He is truly the King of all Creation, The Great I Am.

       His hand is outstretched because we are His work and His glory and He never withdraws His hand from us. He reaches out to us and feels after us always, He waits on us and will run to our aid if we will call out to Him. We may withdraw and turn our backs to Him and our faces away from Him but He remains unmovable in His devotion to us. He is truly the Lord of Mercy, He is Jesus the Christ.        

       His hand in the background is in a tensed and dynamic pose in order to depict His readiness to grab us and pull us to Him and save us from the perils that surround us. Once we make the effort to turn to Him and reach for His outstretched hand He will then use His power and might to bring us safely through.

       The process of painting this image was deeply personal and I felt a closeness to the Lord that taught me much about how deeply and abidingly He loves each and every one of us, and for that experience I am forever changed and thankful.

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