Faces of Strength: Feeling Honored

"I am Honored" ©Antonia Ruppert
12x12
Mixed Media on Panel

After meeting with Chinniese to hear her story and paint her, I became aware of other words to associate with motherhood. Honor. Wisdom. Patience. Let me share with you some of the gems she shared with me.

• Chinniese said, “It’s an honor to be someone’s mommy.”
• She relies on prayer to find the wisdom she needs daily.
• Though she felt overwhelmed at first, she would not change it for the world.
• Chinniese learned to be excited and embrace her daughter for who she is.
• She considers being a mom as another way of being a good steward.

We talked further about one of her life lessons: having patience with herself.  She explained that we can beat ourselves up, but God does not look at us like that.  He looks at us with grace (free and unmerited favor).  I felt after talking to Chinniese that she has great patience with herself - as a parent and as a person.

Besides having this type of personal patience, Chinniese has a circle of friends which provides added wisdom on how to do things. She wants to see her friends and other women built up - to know that they too are fearfully and wonderfully made.

Meeting with Chinniese and creating the painting of our experience together was awesome. I painted her from life—only adjusting some parts slightly afterwards.  In the process of creating the final art, it dawned on me several times that I could add anything I wanted to tell her story.  Hence, the hair barrette was added to show the youthful quality of the left figure.  Additionally, I decided to use her own words in the painting - words from our conversation as well as themes which guide her - honor, patience and trust.

What three words describe your life as a mother or your relationship with your own mom? Let me know in the comments below.

And if you would like to see this painting as a greeting card—be sure to go to my Fine Art America page.

I am thankful to Chinniese for allowing me to hear her story and thankful to you for joining me today.