Compassionate Love: Displaying compassion for those who struggle with mental illness   (c)2014 Nancy Virden

Of the many scriptures that speak to how much God cherishes each of us, it is the dual concepts of being his artwork and child that stir my spirit the most. Perhaps it is because I am both a parent and a creative person.  

Whether in writing, collage, designing newsletters, or planning community events, I comprehend the intensity behind seeing the big picture and paying close attention to details. 

Both visions and practicalities play out here; otherwise, there is no goal, no strategy. In the development stage of any project, anticipating the future is necessary. Then preparing specific elements is what brings the dream to fulfillment.  Pouring my personality, uniqueness, priorities, and imagination into any original work makes it my own. 

In child rearing, there is also a principle of investment.  Teaching my sons to become mature was motivation to set an example they could follow.  Their joys and pains carried my emotions from the heights to the depths.  Arranging time and money around their well-being became a way of life.  Loving parents know the joy of sacrifice in helping sons and daughters become all they can.

Despite the immense love I have for my sons, I did not have opportunity to choose them.  They were handed to me at birth where we met for the first time.  Their design was not mine to figure out. 

This is where being God’s work of art and his child unfolds, exposing a beautiful pattern.  He not only claims me as his child, but also continues to pour every ounce of his enthusiasm into my details. He planned me, and planned for me.

He saw the whole story and chose to take this project into production.  Since he began my existence, he has not stopped loving or investing in me.  He promises to see me to completion. 

I am his workmanship and his child.  There is no greater passion than that.

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Today’s blog is an excerpt from my book Always the Fight (c)2013, 2015, 2017

Ephesians 2:10   John 1:12 are the verses that speak of being God’s child and his art.

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NOTE: I am not a doctor or mental health professional. I speak only from personal experiences and observations of mental illness. In no way is this website intended to substitute for professional mental health care.

If you are struggling emotionally today or feeling suicidal, or concerned about someone who is, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline   1-800-273-TALK (8255). Hope and help can be yours.