Faithful Warrior Maiden Original Painting

I was inspired to paint Psalm 19 because the words really spoke to me at a time when I felt discouraged. I was allowing words another had spoken about me to cause me to doubt myself, doubt The One, and set me back. Of course oftentimes a set back propels you forward with more momentum like a slingshot and I came out the other side with more confidence and trust. 

When I was in this discouragement, I was feeling like an imposture, like someone who would “give Christianity a ‘bad’ name” I was being pressed down by shame, (not guilt or conviction which are different). I was allowing another to shame me in the name of Christianity because of differing beliefs. All the time, as in many other circumstances, I almost gave up the label of Christianity, which of course is possible to do without giving up your faith, but I have often felt led to continue to call myself a “Christian” despite the fact that it is such a loaded label (which is a story for another time and I am in the process of writing that one). Indeed the last thing I wanted to do was give Christianity a “bad name”.

And while I understand where this other Christian was coming from, it really hit me the wrong way at the time and I was praying desperately for some answers! I found an answer while reading Psalm 19 and it was loaded with enough emotion to become a painting. I knew it was an answer because like many times, it popped off the page and felt like the words originated inside of myself.

Verse 3 hit me first because it says, “there is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard” In other words, it was saying to me personally, “Tilly, you matter and what you have to say will be heard, don’t let anyone convince you to hide your light, thoughts, words, or way of looking at things. You have a unique perspective that is valuable and will be used by The One if you continue to put yourself out there despite the kick back you may receive from some.”

And it hit me a second time in verse 12 through 14 where it says “Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord, my rock and my redeemer.” Which in other words was saying to me, “Tilly, you may not always know where the line is drawn between ‘good’ or ‘bad’, ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, or what motives are held during certain actions, but no matter what, you are innocent because you have been redeemed, and more than redemption, I, your Redeemer, am always leading you. I am the one who purifies you and answers your prayers when you pray for wisdom and truth.”

Suddenly, without a doubt, I knew I was on the “right” path, that I should not give up my beliefs or hide them even when they are different from others. And as I painted this piece I began praying, the brushstrokes themselves were the prayers, little thoughts were needed, David had already lined up the words perfectly for me in his Psalm. 

The painting quickly moved past a place of desperation and began inspiring in me a sense of coming into my own power and drawing from The Ultimate Source of Power. It became a prayer for my Art Ministry to proclaim the deepest truths I believe in, not any selfish gain (although I certainly must always keep this in check!).

The woman is me, or anyone who can relate. She is an older version of me with grey hair full of eyes, as a symbol of wisdom (enlightening the eyes). Her face displays a sense of passion. Her heart is open, accepting, and full of all the colors of emotion and life.

She extends her hands which are made of gold and a honeycomb, both being symbols of The Word. so that what results from her hands, perhaps painting or writing, is sweeter than honey and more precious than gold; the very Word of The Divine.If her heart were not open and in-tune with The Divine she would not have the powerful words that stretch to the ends of the earth. 

The words in her breath/scroll and heart are all different names for The Creator, some biblical and some in other languages (all listed below) These are the words she chooses to speak, The One who she has decided to proclaim with her being. If she chose another the proclamation would not be sweeter than honey and more precious than gold.

Her open heart echoes the pleasing words of her mouth, The Spirit within her, pouring into it and filling it up with the most precious of truths.

The other symbols can be easily seen and many are listed below.

The hidden beauty of the space around her head is filled in with galaxy colors in the shape and patterns of branches of the Fir Pine Tree. 

The electric rainbow lines around the symbols at the bottom were inspired by the patterns seen on the bottom of a pool when the sun is shining. 

The place in the middle of the painting where the galaxy ends are meant to look like roots in the earth.

The fire in her hand is a symbol of passion or The Spirit of Fire, perhaps the spark to ignite the hearts of those her life touches.  

This painting is a prayer for my life and for the purpose behind my artwork! A prayer first prayed by David in Psalms 19 which is the writing this painting illustrates. See if you can pick out all the little illustrations in the piece from the text below:

“The heavens declare the glory of God, and the sky above proclaims his handiwork. Day to day pours out speech, and night to night reveals knowledge. There is no speech, nor are there words, whose voice is not heard. Their voice goes out through all the earth, and their words to the end of the world. In them he has set a tent for the sun, which comes out like a bridegroom leaving his chamber, and, like a strong man, runs its course with joy. Its rising is from the end of the heavens, and its circuit to the end of them, and there is nothing hidden from its heat. The law of the Lord is perfect, reviving the soul; the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple; the precepts of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart; the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes; the fear of the Lord is clean, enduring forever; the rules of the Lord are true, and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much fine gold; sweeter also than honey and drippings of the honeycomb. Moreover, by them is your servant warned; in keeping them there is great reward. Who can discern his errors? Declare me innocent from hidden faults. Keep back your servant also from presumptuous sins; let them not have dominion over me! Then I shall be blameless, and innocent of great transgression. Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, O Lord , my rock and my redeemer." ~Psalms 19

This piece is named "Faithful Warrior Maiden" because that is my full name: "Matilda" meaning "Warrior Maiden" and my middle name is "Faith"

The Names listed in her breath/scroll:

The Branch, The Amen, Jehovah-Jireh, All Glorious, Trinity, Space, Savior of the world, Dios, King of Light, Revealed, El-Elma, Eye, Light of Life, My Rock, Rabboni, Wonderful Counselor, Bread of Life, Dayspring, My Joy, Keeper, The Bridegroom, Potter, Vinedresser, Almighty, Soter, Attiyq Youm, The Desire of Nations, The Word, Vine, Healer, The Way, One, Deliverer, Zhus, Palet, The Way, Adonai, My Banner, Jehovah-Nissi, Lamb, Comforter, Abba, Living Water, Hand, Master, Raah, Refuge, Teacher, The Resurrection and The Life, Promise, Ransom, Unity, Savior, The Word, Yahweh, I AM that I AM, All in All, King, The Good Shepherd, Peace, Jehovah-Sabaoth, The Spirit, Steadfast Love, Yah, Spirit of Truth, Artist, Creator, I AM, Jehovah-Tsidkenu, Everlasting God, The Name Above All Names, Prince of Peace, Lord of lords, Judge, Friend, Mother, Jealous, There, The Presence, All Knowing, Root, Prince of Peace, El-Deah, Yahweh-Shamma, Ish, Jehovah-Shalom, Christ, Messiah, Advocate, The Great Guide, Yeshua, My Strength, Husband, El-Elyon, Who Sees, Mine, Jesus, The Light of the world, Everlasting Father, Cornerstone, Shield, Author and Protector of our faith, The Lord of Hosts, The Ancient of Days, Lion, Horn of Salvation, Mediator, The Faithful and True Witness, The First and The Last, The Truth, The Life, Alpha and Omega, Helper, Omniscient, Foundation, Emmanuel, Our Righteousness, Sun of Righteousness, El-Berith, El-ROI, & Heiland.