Hope

One of God’s first promises recorded in the Bible is to Abraham. There were countless stars above Abraham representing the promise. In my mind, there is one star that shone the brightest, representing Jesus, the One through whom people of all nations may receive salvation and everlasting hope.

I drew a picture of a child’s happy face from receiving the promise of the verse; yet at the same time, with sadness in his eyes from living in a foreign land. To show how the hope endures through circumstances, I wrote the verse repeatedly in the background, on a discarded piece of cardboard (which homeless people often use for sleeping).

The look in the old man’s eyes has hope even as he reminisces a life lived long and well. It reminded me of my Sunday school lessons about long life. The intention of this piece is to capture the inner feelings of the subject in a loose carefree style rather than the finesse of portrait drawings.

God promises that I am not alone. My drawing shows dandelions and they represent God’s hope on the road to recovery. The lady is me and I am not alone. I was diagnosed with SLE, lymphoma and liver cirrhosis. During that same period, I experienced depressions and anxiety. Every day, I did not have the mood to do anything. Last month, during my recovery journey, I did my Bible study and did some art. Though the sickness is still with me, and it has led to all parts of my body not functioning well, which was a challenge for me, I never let go of myself. Life is worth living. I love art as it can help me destress, focus and find solutions out of problems! I found joy and contentment inside me as I pass my days – cool and calm! Years passed. Recently, my doctor found out that my thyroid has worsened and referred me to a specialist for further investigation. God is always with me and His promises never fail, so I am looking forward to my recovery. He is forever with me during my sickness.