Frankie

​There are some people who you’ll feel an instant connection with after just one encounter. Frankie was one of those people for me. This painting that I did of her and her daughter was one of my favorites to do. It’s a 12×12 oil on canvas.
Frankie lives in McDowell County WV. We met when I was on my 2nd mission trip there. We spent 2 days working together and sharing stories about our lives. I was deeply impacted by the reality that is Frankie. That may not make sense, but I don’t know how else to say it. And she’s complicated too. She has a fearsomeness that makes me sure if I ever needed it, she’d have my back. But she has a vulnerability that makes me want to tuck her under my wing as one of my own. God has taken a thread of each of our stories and woven them together; and I’m so glad he did.
When I completed the painting I had it framed and sent it to Frankie as a gift. This past June I had the privilege of going back to WV, spending time with Frankie in her home and seeing the painting hanging on her wall. Frankie has a story of her own that I think is worth telling. I’ll share one poem that she wrote, but the whole of her story is hers to tell.
Jan 17, 2014
This morning I took time to have a talk with the Lord and as we spoke I began to write and I made it into a poem (My Testimony)
Lord you know I’ve lost my way, I’m at your mercy while I pray…I know I haven’t done my best when it comes to serving you; and I beg that you will hear my plea and help me carry through,
“You know all my troubles, my heartache and despair…and when I called out to you I felt you wasn’t there.”
Just as I spoke those words I froze and my heart began to say,
“I am the one and only and I have not turned away; You my child have chose your road, you forgot I gave you two; I laid them there as you were born, the rest was up to you; I have seen your troubles, your heartache and despair; You know I’ve not abandoned you, for I am always there; I gave you peace to ease your mind and your heartaches don’t you see; For every time you felt so lonely you would always come to me; Your despair only makes you stronger, and it lets my will be done; You know I’ll never forsaken you, you’ve known me since you were young; Rest your heart with me my child for I give you signs every day, and if you choose to follow them then I will guide your way; I have always been with you and I’ll never turn to leave, GREAT things will happen you will see, if you choose to follow me.”
Thank you Lord Jesus for the reminder!!!! – Frankie

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