Spirit beneath the ashes

For a long time, I couldn’t connect with this piece. It felt distant, almost out of reach. But when I finally did, I saw something I hadn’t noticed before—the reflection of the battle I’ve been living with for six years, fighting a chronic illness every single day. And in that moment, this painting became more than colors on canvas—it became a mirror. I could see her: the warrior woman within me, standing strong despite everything.

“I don’t look like everything I’ve walked through. I’ve fought battle after battle and I’m still standing. I’ve cried more tears than I can count and yet my smile hasn’t faded. I’ve survived things meant to break me – and I’m still breathing. I’m a warrior, not because of my own strength, but because of Him living in me. Every fight, every scar, every victory belongs to the Lord.”