‘Arise’ Charcoal Study

Medium: Charcoal on Fine Art Paper

Dimensions: 11×14 Artwork

Artist Statement:

“Clunking onto the couch in a heap of emotion, I haphazardly opened my scriptures, only to then witness boundless love, evident in Christ’s tender dealings with women!
My random opening took me right to the woman who suffered immensely for twelve years. With little but a hair of hope, she reached through a crowd to touch the edge of Christ’s garment. Her faith was profound, her healing instantaneous. As she stood, acknowledged by Jesus, He comforted her with gentle words, “Daughter, be of good comfort: thy faith hath made thee whole.”

No sooner had this miracle occurred than Jesus was called to another—as a girl had just been declared dead. Going right to her side, Christ took her by the hand and lovingly commanded, “Maid, arise.” To the astonishment of all, she did just that.
This girl, referred to as a maid or, *almah*—is a term that denotes an unmarried woman or girl…which strikes a personal chord with me. When I read this it was as if Christ was also inviting me to rise, to embrace my own life’s potential and challenges with renewed faith.

I feel it profound, these back-to-back miracles with women. They highlight Christ’s readiness to heal and uplift, and showing here, specifically His daughters. His actions speak a call to all of us, inviting us to rest in him so that we can rise above our circumstances, our trials, and our pains.”