Both of these are part of my Light Up The Darkness series, and I actually think it's appropriate that I post these two particular pieces in the same blog post. One of my intentions for this series is that some of these paintings would be responses to previous paintings. I want to convey the idea of a spiritual battle with this series. My hope is for the imagery to go back and forth between Darkness having an upper hand, and the Crusader responding in faith and boldness.
I painted Lament in mid-November, and my intention was to make it an extremely dark piece that would get to the heart of the battle between good and evil. It is simply what you see - a remorseless figure of Darkness mocking the faithful Crusader as they behold a scene of brutal persecution. It's no secret that Christian persecution weighs on my heart, and I often feel helpless to do anything about it. I pray about it. I try to spread news of it when I see stories about it on social media. And I think to myself, "What more can I do?" I can't fight ISIS head on. I often feel like my voice is too small to make others care about it. So I wanted to portray that sentiment in this painting by putting the Crusader in a position that basically embodies that kind of helplessness to do anything about the horror that is happening.
Lament (John 15: 18-25)
oil on linen
30x24 inches
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"For this reason, we must return from the Table like lions breathing fire, having become terrifying to the Devil."
A lion. Something I had never painted before. This was going to be my symbol for a holy Guardian in the battle. And while He's not breathing fire in this painting, I have not ruled it out for future pieces.
The Guardian (Psalm 121)
oil on linen
36x24 inches
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The scary thing is, even when we are bold in faith, Darkness still likes to play games with us. The battle continues...