Quiet Strength
Quiet Strength, the latest addition to my flower girl series of paintings, has captured my heart as I create and paint each one. Each flower girl tells a unique story, but Quiet Strength stands out.
The journey to creating Quiet Strength took seven years. During this time, I grappled with my health, struggling to understand what had happened and find a way to improve my situation. My life seemed to have come to a halt, and I felt helpless.
Quiet Strength embodies the years of pain, countless treatments, and failed procedures. It represents the personal and spiritual struggles I endured, the tears shed in private, and the anger I felt.
She symbolizes the disappointments of unmet goals, unanswered prayers, and the losses of loved ones. She also represents the critics and haters who hide behind smiles and hugs, pretending to be genuine but lacking sincerity. They only speak and act out of habit to ensure their righteousness with God.
Despite her physical and emotional pain, Quiet Strength finds joy in the mundane everyday tasks. She perseveres through her struggles, trying to find solace in the simple moments of life. All she desires is to scream and escape from everything she knows, just to experience a moment of freedom.
As she navigates through these emotions and struggles, Quiet Strength regains her composure and finds strength in the quiet moments of her life. She turns to God for trust and finds solace in the words of Isaiah, who proclaims, “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” (Isaiah 40:31)
Psalm 131 further emphasizes this message, stating, “In quietness and trust shall be your strength. I have calmed and quieted my soul.” (Psalm 131:2)
Life often throws unexpected curveballs that can stir a whirlwind of emotions and reactions, quickly diverting our focus from what truly matters. These challenging moments can cause us to forget the numerous blessings, silver linings, and things we should be grateful for. Life isn’t always a bed of roses, as the saying goes.
In the darkest and most difficult times of our lives, we learn to embrace silence. We discover the power of silence and find strength in the quiet moments, as Isaiah 30:15 reminds us, “In quietness and trust shall be your strength.” Indeed, in silence, we find God, and in trust, we cultivate gratitude and contentment.
When you find yourself deep in the trenches of life, it can be rough, ugly, and downright pitiful at times. But amidst the darkness, a new day emerges, bringing with it a smile and a sense of growth, both physically and spiritually. When you rediscover joy, a new day dawns.
To my friends and enemies, I encourage you to quiet your souls through prayer. In your stillness, focus on the things you are grateful for. This practice will lead you towards a state of contentment, gratitude, and joy. Your quiet strength will provide you with everything you need when you trust in God for it.
“Quiet Strength” mixed media acrylic painting
