Matthew 19:14 Series

This was the first series where I used the same background colors and the same color for the main subjects across every piece. And from the very start, I started overthinking.

I got stuck in my head — "these have to look the same in style and texture," "should all the bears be walking? But I like one laying down… but then can I have two walking and only one laying?" I wasn't enjoying the process anymore. I was only thinking about the rules I thought I had to follow.

Finally I said enough. I couldn't keep dwelling on the final outcome if it was going to keep me from actually getting there. I had to trust the skills I'd been developing — and trust the gift God gave me to create in a way only I could. So I just started painting. And the results? I'd say they all "match" and are also different enough to stand alone.

Now you might be wondering — what does Matthew 19:14 have to do with bears?

Honestly, the lessons I learned while painting these didn't inspire the scripture. These are some of the few pieces where the meaning and the verse don't line up that way. The scripture came from where I always pictured these hanging: a nursery. "But Jesus said, 'Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belong the Kingdom of God.'" Matthew 19:14.

Children are always welcome to sit with, rest with, and walk with Jesus. And so are we — because we are all His children too.