"Darkened Woods"

From Natalie: “‘Darkened Woods’ is a landscape I painted from memory, of the wooded area behind one of the houses I lived in when I was a kid. This was the night that I knew my prayers would not be answered. Hospice was in the room that shared a wall w/my bedroom. They said Dad wouldn’t live thru the night, & I knew they were right. I can’t remember the sequence of events, but I at some point I left the house. I think it was late at night, but I can’t remember. House full of relatives, doubt anyone was aware of where I was. I ran through the dark woods, just running and running… praying, while listening to music. I don’t know how long I was in those woods.

There are times when prayers go unanswered and we cope the best we can. I believe that this type of prayer is always answered: anyone who wants the fruits of the spirit will learn how to have them, and that will help cope with any sorrow, anger, or fear that comes our way: Galatians 5:22-23 ‘But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.’

But, sadly, we cannot control the events that make us grieve. My painting ‘Darkened Woods’ is an image that comes to mind when I know that I may not be spared pain or grief. It’s a beautiful place, this woods of darkness and solitude, where God speaks to us. No matter how hard we run, no matter how angry or alone… He finds us there.”