Why does the Lord allow horrific things to happen to us? How do we become stronger daughters in the face of adversity? We often contemplate the purpose of pain or darkness; it is our shadow walking side by side in each of our mortal journey. ?

In this painting I have two women in fervent prayer seeking strength and solace. The background is a storm. The detritus of life is symbolized in the leaves swirling around them. I loved painting the light emerging from the clouds, to me this symbolized hope even in the dark. I heard a statement by Dr. Lili De Hoyos Anderson: “Faith grows in the dark” How do we become stronger in the dark regardless of age or circumstances? 2021 brought me personally to a new level of understanding of this timeless question, what is the purpose of pain? It has given me opportunities to reframe and look again more clearly. In the strength of the Lord, I can do all things. ?

“As you and I come to understand and employ the enabling power of the Atonement in our personal lives, we will pray and seek for strength to change our circumstances rather than praying for our circumstances to be changed.” In the Strength of the Lord David A. Bednar ?

October, 23, 2001 ?