Never underestimate the power of Grandma Love! After I began this painting I learned of Grandma Margaret, of the White Earth Nation, and well remembered by her family for the owls she collected and subsequently inherited. Why she collected them is unknown to me and all that matters is that they bring back memories of love to hers. Ahhh the love. We all seek to love and be loved. And most of us desire one more moment with our gram. It is an international/globally cultural common phenomenon. Just as all cultures know of God our Father, the creator of the heavens and the earth and revere Him with a different face, a different robe, but with the same love, the same heart, the same adoration. The same Jesus.
So there I was out in the Black Hills of South Dakota in 2019
for an extended stay waking from a dream to create another specific painting. In obedience, I sketched and as an owl emerged and had settled itself on a crown of glory at total peace and doing just fine. Well okay then! Good! Thank you Jesus! I saw behind it black and white stripes which represented recognition where for some tribes Jesus is depicted wearing a prayer robe of black and white stained with the red of His blood. The crown is adorned with seven red wooden beads, two of which remain hidden, and representing one young man's journey of a boy from a tragic birth to a tragic death as a man.
Scripture from Ephesians 2:4 states "But because of his great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, 5 made us alive with Christ even when we were dead in transgressions-it is by grace you have been saved." I have come to understand that this painting is a gift of mercy from the Holy Spirit to a family that grieves their son. Aptly named Owl Always Love You" it shares that yes indeed that is well with his soul. Luke 23:43 And Jesus said to him, "Truly I say to you, Today shall you be with me in paradise". I hear in my Spirit the song 'It Is Well With My Soul' by Audrey Assad...
...My sin, oh, the bliss of this glorious thought
My sin, not in part but the whole,
Is nailed to the cross, and I bear it no more,
Praise the Lord, praise the Lord, o my soul
It is well (it is well)
With my soul
It is well, it is well with my soul...
Because of Gods grace and mercy, it is indeed. Punctuated by James 2:13 "because judgment without mercy will be shown to anyone who has not been merciful. Mercy triumphs over judgment."
https://youtu.be/0vMQGiIoaq8
We too can look forward to our own crown of glory. James 1:12 "Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the LORD has promised to those who love him." Yes this young man had demons plaguing him his entire life and yet never gave up on Jesus. Yes Jesus. He really does love you more than grandma. But then she learned it from Him and she passed the love on to hers. They remember. She made a difference.
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Blessings to you with Jesus in your heart and yes we will meet up on the other side.
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