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| "Julia - Standing Strong" 12x12 ©Antonia Ruppert
Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel
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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.
Don’t Wait to Laugh
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| "Tina (Attentive and Faithful)" ©Antonia Ruppert 12x12
Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel
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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.
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| "Hannah Remembering" - progress ©Antonia Ruppert 12x12
Mixed Media Acrylic and Oil Pastel on Panel
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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:
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| Portraits of Motherhood Installation view at New Life Community Church (Melrose Park, IL) ©Antonia Ruppert |
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| Portraits of Motherhood Installation view at New Life Community Church (Melrose Park, IL) ©Antonia Ruppert |
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Happy Mother’s Day.
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