Chapters of Your Story

"Chapters of Your Story" is the full title of this piece, which is part of a five-piece series about individuality. This series originated from my "Your Story" painting (featured on the home page) and expanded to include "Preface," "Prologue," and "Epilogue."

The entire series explores the journey of becoming the person you were created to be and embracing your individuality. It parallels the quest to find your identity, but I believe our true identity can only be found in Christ. This pursuit draws us into a relationship with our Creator, where we can discover and embrace who we were meant to be, along with His plan and purpose for our lives.

For more years than not, I lived worried about what others thought and said. I constantly sought acceptance, approval, and validation. This heavy burden of trying to meet others' standards left me feeling lost, confused, and alone. Breaking free from this cycle took courage, which I found through my faith and relationship with God. Learning about His unending love and mercy helped me realize that His opinion of me is the only one that truly matters. Having His love and acceptance through the finished work of the cross gives me the bravery to let go of people-pleasing and comparison. Don't misunderstand me—I haven't fully arrived, but I have begun this journey and trust that the Lord will faithfully complete the work He started in me.

For me, creating artwork is much like the refiner's fire. During the creative process, I must resist negative self-talk and vain imaginings, pressing past them. At the same time, creating brings relief and restoration to my soul. Then comes the time to share my creativity, and the cycle begins anew. Yet, it is in these moments that opportunities are found—the opportunities to trust Him on this beautiful journey of becoming.

In the "Your Story" series, I used the concept and elements of 'story' in all the titles because our lives are, indeed, stories. As we courageously live out our stories and embrace who we were created to be, we can better live in community with others.

It's my story, it's your story, and we live it out, chapter by chapter.

36x48x1.5” acrylic on gallery wrapped canvas available in the shop