Friday, April 6, 2012

a gift for Good Friday

Her normally quiet self was doubled in half, wrenched with grief. Her lungs wrung out ragged wails, and her tears bounced off the carpet. "My brother is dead! Why did they take him?" Her anguish was raw and tearing. It consumed her until I thought she would fall.

I pulled her into a chair and held her close. Helpless. What do you tell a sixteen-year-old girl whose brother was shot in the street, six times to the head? What sense do you make of violence what takes a seventeen-year-old boy because his friend is in a rival gang? What is left to offer? Only tears, an arm around her shoulders, and hands stroking her hair. And prayer.

But what prayer? What can you ask when a heart is broken beyond recognition? Mine was only a giant heart-sob. And in return, I heard Him:

"I am here. And I know."

When she was limp and emptied, I asked if I could pray for her and her family. And, even in my vicarious pain, all that came out was "thank you".

Thank you, Jesus, that You KNOW. You know what it is to cry over a dead friend. You know what it feels like to die. You know what it feels like to be killed. Her brother was not alone in that moment because You have been there already.

Thank you that You are HERE. You cry with us. You died for both the sins committed by us and the sins committed against us. For both, You writhed in pain, and Your blood soaked wood and earth.

Thank You.


It has been several years since I finished this drawing, but creating it remains one of the most deeply moving experiences of my life. It was a kind of sacrament, really. A profound realizing that I had a part in this. And this fierce, conciliatory, crucified Love is mine. And I am His. 

In honor of this Gift, I'd like to make a small one of my own. If you want to be included in a drawing for a print of the "Greater Love" drawing, leave a comment. If you want to let other people know about it, each time you share a link to this post on facebook, twitter, or what-have-ya, you can leave another comment to increase your chances. 

The print is 18"x11", unframed, and black-and-white, as the original was done in graphite and charcoal. The print is an archival-quality, professional copy by my friend Tim Kirk. I'd be glad to mail it worldwide to the winner, so if you connect with the drawing and want a chance to have have it, comment away! I'll randomly draw a winner a week from today.

And make space in your time and heart today to ponder the awful lengths to which God went to prove His love for you. For us all. 

24 comments:

Barbara said...

i am always inspired by your art, becca, and i love this piece!

Rose Mary said...

Oh my. I love that drawing. I was around when it was happening. I would love to win it! Really Becca, you should consider getting cards printed with that on it. I would like that even better (maybe) since I am always making more art of my own for my walls. :)

Janelle said...

I'd love to have something drawn by a dear friend in my home!

Rosanna said...

poignant, beautiful words, and beautiful art. thanks Becca for sharing.

Bekah said...

This drawing holds memory for me, since I was witness to its creation. The scars in the wood were inspired by the beam above the fire place in the old student lounge. I would love to display this piece in my classroom. :)

Carol Yoder said...

I love this one so much! You are an amazing artist! <3

Brenda said...

Your drawing is so profound, I too remember when that one was in the making.

Melanie Fisher said...

so beautiful. i would be honored to claim such a print for my own wall. i love you, Becca!

renita said...

beautiful artwork and beautiful writing...love it

Carolyn Kauffman said...

Beautiful--the textures and the verse, but especially what Jesus did for us, and how this brings it out.

Thanks for sharing

kathy said...

Please add me to the drawing. Your Drawing is beautiful.
The story was also so poignant and uplifting at the same time. May God comfort her and her family throughout their loss.
kathy

Kathy said...

One of my favorites!!! Keep looking to Him!!! Love and prayers, Kathy

Anita said...

Pick me, pick me please!!!
=)

Anonymous said...

What a lovely piece! I would be honored to display this in my home!

Anita said...

I like the way you paint a picture with the words you use in this wrenching story. Thanks for sharing your heart.

Book Gypsy said...

That's lovely.

Anonymous said...

It's a lovely work of art and a powerful message. (found it through Anita's link)
Nathan Yoder
nlybriefletters@gmail.com

Sharon said...

Keep on inspiring others to look to Jesus!

Lynell said...

Very nice, Becca! I've always liked that piece :)

Joey said...

beautiful and inspiring! i love how you use your incredible talent to glorify God!

Becca said...

Christy shared the link on Facebook.

Becca said...

Bekah shared the link on Facebook.

Becca said...

Ruth Anna entered via Facebook.

Becca said...

Ryan entered via Facebook.