Unafraid

Unafraid

The old man stood up in church to read from his Bible. We had just sung "O God, our help in ages past, Our hope for years to come, Our shelter from the stormy blast... Under the shadow of Thy throne, Still may we dwell secure; Sufficient is Thine arm alone..." and he went on to read from Psalm 112 about not being afraid. I was surprised to find myself crying as I listened to him. I hadn't even realized that I was afraid! But, there it was - I was feeling fearful.

No longer available

12" x 12" painted with artist quality heavy-body acrylic paint on acid-free, heavy weight Fabriano watercolor paper

Ready to frame 

When I texted this photo to my 'fan club' of my good friend, mother, and family, I told them that I hadn't titled it yet, but that it would have to do with not being fearful. Surprisingly, two of them immediately texted back, "How about Unafraid?" (How did I not think of that, anyway?) I love the free color, the playful swirls and the general cheerful feel of this painting, and I think Unafraid is a good name for it!

This past week was a doozy! I had a marketing consultation with the lovely and talented Leslie Saeta, was a guest speaker in a high school painting class, and taught a private lesson - my first - to a very nice young couple. By Saturday, I was spent, but - TA-DA! - the sun was out! We have had literally weeks with clouds and drizzle, and expect more, but Saturday was splendid! While we were out, though, I saw a sight that (unbeknownst to me) refilled my fear tank to the point of spilling over. You know, I really don't think of myself as a fearful person, and I guess that is why I was so surprised on Sunday when I recognized what was making me feel so sick to my stomach. 

In me, that fear was wrong. It was sin. It was a lack of trust in my Heavenly Father - and I am so embarrassed that I turned my eyes to 'the thing' and away from Him. I am so glad that HE so kindly redirected my focus through the reading of my Christian brother. I hope that today YOU are unafraid, and have your eyes on the loving Heavenly Father!

Ps 112:1 Praise the Lord!
How blessed is the man who fears the Lord,
Who greatly delights in His commandments.    

Ps. 112:7-8a He will not fear evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the Lord.
His heart is upheld, he will not fear,

Jer 15:16 Your words were found and I ate them,
And Your words became for me a joy and the delight of my heart;
For I have been called by Your name, O Lord God of hosts.