CATCHING MANNA

Who is she?

She is His.

She collects

manna

from heaven

on a daily basis.

Her body

is nourished from

the bread of angels.

Her mind

is overflowing with

His peace and mercy.

Her soul

is filled with 

His promises and His grace.

She fills her bowl

with this precious harvest

from above.

She is careful to distribute

what she has been given

to those around her.

Those who know her are also blessed

and will receive if willing.

She is not of this world

but 

of His world.

She is His.

This piece was inspired by many strong women.

Years ago, 

I happened upon a photograph taken by Marvin Miracle

of an African woman picking cotton. 

image from African Studies of University of Wisocnson-Madison

 The expression on her face was so moving and so contrary to her surrounding world.  I wanted to incorporate the photograph into a painted message that was stirring within.  

A message that I see so many of God's children walking through these days and testifying to His undeniable beauty 

without even speaking a word...

Discovering the University of Wisonson-Madison owned the rights to Mr. Miracle's photograph, 

I called with hopes of receiving permission to use it in my next painting.  Prayers were answered and they gave permission to use his photo in the painting.

Don't think I have the right to sell it but hope it will minister 

to anyone that catches a glimpse and ponders its purpose within.

Looking at this beautiful woman and her physical surroundings...

reveals the easily seen world around...

She is photographed in a setting filled with

the heat of the sun,

the pricks of the protective cotton bolls,

the weight of the baby on her back,

the balancing of the bowl that is constantly being filled

on top of her head.

But this woman's spirit rises above her physcial circumstances..

Her face emanates His grace and strength

to overcome the difficulties in this world.

As the poem above states...

she is filled with 

His thoughts,

His love,

His strength.

She may be picking cotton on a hot July day

but in the spirit realm

she is catching Manna...

His mighty food from above...

to get her through

and on her God given way.

The other inspiration was by all the women that are walking or have walked through the diagnosis of Cancer.

Although their physical world maybe filled 

with sickness, a dismal prognosis, fatigue and loneliness at times,

In their spirits...

they are hanging on to God's word and promises of 

wholeness and healing, 

life and not death, 

endurance to the victorious finish line ahead

and a strong hold onto the hand of Jesus to carry them through.

These women have had an encounter with 

the One who created them...

They know that he is their provider,

their healer,

their hope!

They live each moment for His daily words and promises.

One friend in particular stood out while painting this picture...

Stacey .

Stacey was diagnosed with Cancer at its end stages...

Although the doctors and the world

were speaking a shortened future into her life...

She did not listen.

Her ears were turned towards the promises of Her Lord...

Promises of complete healing and wholeness.

One day, He touched her body.

She knew instantly that her relentless prayers had been answered and she had been miraculously healed.

Her next visit to the doctor confirmed that 

God continues to save

those who dine on His words.

He's still working...people!!!!

That's the God I want so many to know about.

He's a good God.

"For I will restore health to you and heal you of your wounds," 

says the Lord. 

(Jeremiah 30:17)

"And my God shall supply all your need as according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus." 

(Philippians 4:19)