We all know the words to the song, Jesus Loves the Little Children..."red and yellow, black and white, they are precious in his sight."
One of the greatest parts of what I do is getting to honor the worth of an individual. I get to see their humanity and capture that in a portrait. It's really a tribute to their Creator.
Every person has a intrinsic worth and value. A portrait is one of the most meaningful ways to honor that. It's a work of art created to portray the unique features and personality of a person.
Back in the day, if you had a portrait done, you were a person of importance.
I did these nine portraits for Street Ministries, an organization in Memphis, TN that helps mentor kids in some pretty rough neighborhoods. It was a chance to honor a group of kids who aren't normally the subjects of portraits. But I believe they are worthy regardless of where they come from.
I'm privileged to paint kids who come from loving families and are well cared for. And it's a great honor. But it's also my mission to help kids feel loved and valued for who they are. That includes kids who aren't as fortunate.
These nine portrait went to the kids, and I hope they are a reminder of the fact that they are loved by their Creator and that they have the potential to make an impact on the world.
Regardless of where they come from and what they achieve in life, they have the opportunity to love themselves and share God's love with others. When they look at their portrait, I hope they see themselves the way God does.
Precious in His sight.