Into The Blue; oil on canvas, 40″x40″

How often have we heard the phrase “out of the blue?” It is used to describe an event that happens suddenly in a surprising way, that might or might not be beneficial. With this painting I chose to change this phrase to “Into the Blue,” with blue representing our lungs and blood in need of oxygen. As I worked on this piece, it became about the gift of breath that Adam received fromGod. Adam’s first act of obedience was to deeply inhale the Lord’s breath, thereby becoming a living being.

When I am filled with anxious thoughts I tend to breathe shallowly, sometimes even to the point of becoming dizzy. When this happens I need to pause, correct my posture, and take a slow, deep breath. As my lungs are bathed with fresh air, my bloodstream sends beautiful golden oxygen to my brain. I exhale a prayer of gratitude to the Lord, that He made my lungs capable of receiving His breath.

There’s another phrase, “one day at a time,” which reminds us to be fully present right where we are. I would add to this thought “one breath at a time,” to completely receive God’s holy presence in my body. Into the blueness of my exhaustion and worry, His breath infuses my soul with hope and healing