Terra Maria
by Sarah Lin | @elliefunday
Watercolor on paper
This year has pushed me to spend more time outside finding respite, solace and hope. I've found that the earth mimics so much of what's going on in our lives. There is so much life in the soil. When a seed is planted in fertile soil, it flourishes and produces amazing fruit for many to enjoy. I've come to realize that Mary, the mother of Jesus was fertile soil for our God to grow and do amazing things in her. It's led me to contemplate her process of growth.
Darkness: What type of environment was Mary in right before this immaculate conception happened?
Conception: What was it like to feel the living embodiment of the future King growing inside of her?
Voice: What sort of feelings did she have when she encountered the angel Gabriel?
Call: What sort of pressures did she face carrying out her call?
Embodiment: What did it feel like to have the power of God overshadow her?
Light: When she finally gave birth to her Son, what were her hopes and dreams for him?
I’m bursting with God-news;
I’m dancing the song of my Savior God.
God took one good look at me, and look what happened—
I’m the most fortunate woman on earth!
What God has done for me will never be forgotten,
the God whose very name is holy, set apart from all others.
His mercy flows in wave after wave
on those who are in awe before him.
He bared his arm and showed his strength,
scattered the bluffing braggarts.
He knocked tyrants off their high horses,
pulled victims out of the mud.
The starving poor sat down to a banquet;
the callous rich were left out in the cold.
He embraced his chosen child, Israel;
he remembered and piled on the mercies, piled them high.
It’s exactly what he promised,
beginning with Abraham and right up to now.~ Luke 1:46-55, The Message
