Several years ago, I painted this portrait of me as a child. It’s one of several in a series representing women in my family from the perspective of childhood. So far there are four, each intuitively suggesting how God has a hand on our lives, even at a young age.

In this image, I reflected on the innocence of a young girl. Like the strong oak trees I grew up with in Texas, the roots of my faith have grown over many years, strengthened by both challenges and joys. And, like the bird trustingly perched on my finger, I am reminded of the assurance Jesus gave us when he said “…don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Matthew 10:31