THE BEGINNING

As a Christian, I am called beloved by Christ, redeemed, made perfect, an heir of his kingdom. But even though I'm so loved by God, I often fail to see others and myself that way. I want to live a life that reflects the teachings of my faith. For me, this translates into an assignment to create art that portrays others as I believe Christ sees them.

It's sometimes easier for me to extend grace to others than to myself. But how can I paint others in light of Christ's love for them if I'm not willing to see myself in this way? How wholeheartedly do I believe what I claim to believe?

This painting is the first in the Sacred Eyes series, and it has been hanging in my kitchen, of all places. Most days, I walk past it several times. I felt pretty foolish as I painted in the halo, and at first it was a little unsettling seeing myself in all my sainted glory. But it's been good, because I'm adjusting to this idea that it's okay to stand with confidence on the truth of God's love for me. I look at my sin all the time, but Jesus says it's forgotten. I see my human failings, he sees the holy covering of his redemption, and he loves me.