Sunday, May 10, 2015

For Moms Whose Life May Not Be a Fantasy


"Julia - Standing Strong"
12x12
©Antonia Ruppert
Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel
Do you remember what two shows were on Saturday night TV in the 80’s? I won’t make you strain to remember.  They were Love Boat and Fantasy Island.  I bring them up to remind you of the endings—always perfect and wrapped up in an hour.  Though in real life, circumstances are not always a dream, I’m learning from other moms that one does not have to wait to be faithful. 

Don’t Wait to Believe
When I talked with Dee, she shared how she came to trust God with her children.  She recalls being anxious when her first daughter went away to college.  She says she cried - she was so scared.  At some point, she was assured by scripture when Jesus says he had not lost one(John 18:9).  She always goes back to that key verse.

Additionally, when her second daughter’s right side went limp while running track, she knew something was wrong.  She could not get in to see a specialist for her daughter for 6 months.  She remembers thinking, “Really Lord?’  The scripture that encouraged her was John 11:4 (But when Jesus heard it he said, “This illness does not lead to death…”  Her daughter’s condition was eventually diagnosed and managed. 

 “God is amazing,” Dee says. He carried her through.

Don’t Wait to Worship
While getting to know Julia, it became apparent that she is a true worshipper. If you only knew her story, you'd understand her exuberant praise.

After suffering a stroke in 1995, she promised she would be a better mother.  Having a stroke brought her family closer to her.  God brought her through the slow journey.  That is why she praises God so much.


"Tina (Attentive and Faithful)"
©Antonia Ruppert
12x12
Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel
Don’t Wait to Laugh
As I painted Zoraida we could not help laughing and talking. 

Zoraida shared with me the funniest story about her children.  They were about  six and three at the time.  One day , some friends of her mother showed up to visit her. In her excitement, she forgot to offer them anything-no water, cookies or anything. This was something she often did when friends stopped by.  

After talking for a bit, her small children appeared with the tray. They had placed  real glasses and everything on it.  They walked in with juice spilling between the two of them. The three year old asked, “Do you want juice?” in Spanish.  But she said it wrong since she was just learning , both English and Spanish.

Zoraida smiled and laughed as she recalled this memory.

"Hannah Remembering" - progress
©Antonia Ruppert
12x12
Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel
Don't Wait to Remember
The funny stories continued when I talked to Hannah.

She recalled a day when her husband was home with their two year old, Marcus. When she returned home, Marcus came downstairs with a substance on his face and arms.  Hannah thought it was poop all over him and started freaking out.  She did what every mom would do. She smelled it, etc., but there was no scent.  She went upstairs and found what he’d gotten into.  what she saw made her laugh.  He  had found a stash of cheetos and coffee(was it ground?).  He had dipped the cheetos into the coffee and ate some and smeared some. 

It’s one of those stories you remember with laughter.

Thanks to all of the mothers who have shared their stories with me.  I am headed today to my church New Life Community Church to worship.  As part of the service for Mother's Day, folks will be able to see twelve paintings from my series.  Here is a sneek peek at the installation: 


Portraits of Motherhood
 Installation view at New Life Community Church (Melrose Park, IL)
©Antonia Ruppert
Portraits of Motherhood 
 Installation view at New Life Community Church (Melrose Park, IL)
©Antonia Ruppert
In conclusion, I am learning so much from my painting series.  No matter what mountain you are facing, no matter what battles you’re fighting - you don’t have to wait.  No, this is not the Love Boat or Fantasy Island.  But, what I’m learning from other moms is that one does not have to wait to be faithful. You can believe, worship, laugh and remember.  Now.

Who do you know who'd love to see this post? Thank you for using the share buttons to post on Facebook, Google + or where ever you hang out.

Happy Mother’s Day.


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