Spiritual Portrait: Nancy

"I had always yearned for a “Saul to Paul” experience, for that blinding light, for the voice of Jesus calling my name. So many believers appeared to me to have had that special feeling that I did not share. Over the course of my life, I drifted away from the church and from my belief in God. In 1998 we moved to a small community where most of the socialization was through the various churches. I decided I could tolerate a few hours a week for the benefit of companionship. We attended a few churches, but there was no feeling of belonging, no real reason to return. At Heathsville United Methodist Church, I met Reverend James B. Godwin. The first sermon I heard was a magnet to me. I started going to services and to Bible classes. I read and studied and asked question after question. Rev. Godwin graciously took hours of his time to guide me, with infinite patience he explained the answers to my questions. He and his wife Lou encouraged my ventures into liturgical art even when I was sure I was not capable or worthy- he convinced me of the concept of Grace. Gradually I came to the realization that I truly believed in redemption and that I was not able to not believe. I know beyond the least doubt that I have a Savior, who died and rose again, a God who has forgiven me ALL of my wrong doing and a spirit who lives within my soul.

On Christmas morning, my 10 year old granddaughter was playing with a gift from her uncle. She looked up at me and said “this is the best present ever, I didn’t even know that I wanted it until I got it.” I think that that moment was my “lightning” moment. I have been given a Gift that I didn’t even know I wanted or needed until I received it. Thank you. Jesus."

This is my latest Spiritual Portrait: Nancy Brannon a quilt artist extraordinaire, a dear friend and sister in Christ. She is so excited to share her testimony. The image of the cross is the quilt that Nancy did to go with her Spiritual Portrait. I incorporated it into my painting.