A Picture is Worth 1000 Words

I had the great privilege of working in the largest gallery of inspirational art in the southern United States during the mid-1990's.  Because I was on the custodial crew, I was able to observe and study these paintings and sculptures while no one else was in the building.  There were some paintings that were as small as a street sign, but many of these portraits would fill your entire wall - if it would fit in your house at all.

There was one room that was a particular favorite of mine.  The room was bright - the walls light blue - and it was at the very end of the hallway.  The artists were European from the 19th century.  I've decided to post a few here today.  Take a moment to ponder each one.  There is nothing I could say that would say more than the artists strokes themselves.

Vashti Refuses the King's Summons, Edwin Long RA.  Long is also known for a portrait of Queen Esther and the Babylonian Marriage Market.

Martin Luther Discovering Justification by Faith, Edward Matthew Ward

The Martyrdom of St Perpetua and St Felicitas, Felix Louis Leullier


I came away from this room with the determination that making the right choice could mean you lose everything.  That there is more to this life then my will and my plan. And that there is something worth dying for.  Each of the people represented in these paintings were suddenly given a choice - the decisions they made in turn changed each of their lives forever.  I pray that when the time comes - the choice I make will reveal the person of Jesus Christ at work in my life. What does the Lord require? to do justice, to love mercy and to walk humbly with our God.