Life by Faith: Layers of Faith Series II

acrylic gouache, FW ink & gold leaf on dura-lar

To live is to face the trials of loss, pain, sickness, sorrow, hurt, disappointment, betrayal, depression, and anxiety. To live by faith is to trust God in healing our pain and to move us forward. Resisting the desire to linger on the past scars and choosing to look forward to the hope of what lies ahead.

This piece was the second in my three-piece Layers of Faith series exploring the complexity of faith and our profound relationship with God. (See Pruning the Vine and Remain in Me) When I first drew the sketch, I was unsure how I wanted the finished piece to take shape. So I tucked it away until I felt called back to it. At the time, I was still healing from a second surgery on my dominant wrist. So I suppose the concept of healing was fresh in my mind. I couldn't help but consider all the hurts I've faced in my own life and how, time and time again, God has worked in every instance to grow my faith and make me the person I am today.