This piece was created at the end of a very difficult time in our family’s life. At the time I thought all the problems were originating from my child, but Mary very clearly spoke to me and guided me to hear her Son’s voice, which included my own healing. Sometimes when Jesus speaks, it’s uncomfortable, but having had the Holy Spirit “overshadow” her, she understands and keeps you afloat. The rosary became central to my sanity both then and now, and I felt called to paint her emerging from the night holding up the rosary cross as if to say, “This is who you need to look to!” The words of the Hail Mary weave through her veil and body as she incorporates one who magnifies the Lord. Over the last decade, she has stayed close to me as Jesus has healed me of so much grief, fear and stubbornness that I didn’t even know I was carrying. That painting opened doors to me to a whole new world of art, writing, income, people and faith that I never knew was mine to experience and I could have never orchestrated on my own.
Norton, Jen. Hail Mary.
