Last week, I was hustling around my studio, when a Christmas song by Amy Grant called “Breath of Heaven” came on. It’s the most beautiful song, looking at Mary’s perspective and what she must have been going through. My mama’s heart felt so much for her in that moment. I can’t imagine what Mary must have been thinking. What did she think after Gabriel visited her and told her that she was with child? How did she even comprehend that an angel literally just appeared before her eyes? What did she do next?
Pictures started forming in my mind. I stopped what I was doing, cleared a spot on my studio floor and sat down and sketched. I felt so connected to her, I even put a hand-written note on the page that said “Mary, did you know you were carrying the Saviour of the world?” I knew it would be painted over, but my message would still be there forever.
I quickly sketched everything that was in my head and re-directed myself back to what I was working on. (I have to re-direct myself often ;))
This past weekend, after church, I felt even more inspired and uplifted. I could hardly wait to get my paints out. It all came together quickly and I worked on both Gabriel and Mary at the same time. I just love the sound* of “Greetings, favored woman.” (I feel like I can hear it; a deep, yet heavenly-sweet voice.) It makes me smile.
The next words that Gabriel spoke would change the world forever: “The Lord is with you…you will conceive in your womb and bring forth a Son, and He shall be named Jesus” Luke 1:28, 31).