Sometimes this is what we need. A defiant joy. I've created quite a few Joy pieces over the last few years but recently something a wise friend said pierced my heart in a beautiful and empowering way and I had to paint joy again! We shared in an exchange of ponderings on different types of grief, and certain things only experienced in specific circumstances- usually ones we did not invite and can’t rush through. Defying the enemy's strategy to steal our joy is more than seems possible sometimes and seasons, BUT God. The kind of defiant joy I read about when Jesus was in the garden with you and me on his soul, facing the heaviest possible threat to joy anyone ever has or will face.

This same power filled defiant joy I believe He offers, and is only found in union with Him.

Joy is expressed in blue hues this time around(rather than oranges and pinks) to represent the empowering of Holy Spirit joy in grief and pain, surrounded by the glory and gold that faith grasping joy exposes in eternity.

Grab hold of your defiant joy today friends. You are so loved.

Original mixed media watercolor  with imitation metallic gold  leafing. Unframed

size 11x14”