"Rise above your conditions. Be like the water lily, which rises out of the mud, up through the murky waters, into the sunlight above.  Strive always to rise above your circumstances, for in striving you gain strength.  The man whose path through life has been easy is never as good as one whose path has been difficult."  Jesus in The Gospel of Kailedy

This was painted using my best friend and sister Meadow, (who had just been diagnosed with Stage 4 cancer and given a year to live) as my model.  We were both freshly divorced after 20 years of marriage and were flooded with immense emotion.  To all those going through the intensity of underwater swimming in life's waters, I offer this painting as a tribute of hope.  Sometimes the victory is found not in changing our circumstances, or how we feel, but in the very moment of crisis we can choose (albeit with tears streaming down our face) to look up.  Do not surrender to discouragement, refuse the voice of despair, reach up your hand and in so doing no matter the outcome you have claimed the victory.   

I am happy to say at this moment that my sister is strong and healthy and looking forward to many more years on this earth with her children.  

Thanks to Meadow Alexander and Royal Meservy who assisted me in painting the original 8ft x 8ft mural.  A portion of all proceeds from this painting goes directly towards helping women in trauma. Thanks for your love and support!