We will all face trials in this life. There will be times when the sea is raging around us. It may feel as if we are destined to fail, that the storms are too great and that we are helpless. This painting depicts a range of emotions that we may all relate to when the trials come.
We will all face difficult moments in our life, when it feels that all is lost. We often try to save ourselves, but when we turn ourselves over to the Lord, having done all that we can, He will save us.
We will hear those magnificent words spoken in our hearts, “Peace, be still.”

I am the light of the world: he that followeth me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. – John 8:12 “This simple passage of scripture defines much of what it means to be Christian,” says artist Howard Lyon. “To follow Christ means a life of compassion and service. It does not mean that there will not be heartache or trials. It does not mean we will not stumble and fall. Hardship is part of life, but Christ, through His atonement will be there to clear the path back to the light, bringing hope to an imperfect people trying to be better.”

Mary kept all these things, and pondered them in her heart. – Luke 2:19 “In this painting, I wanted to portray Mary in a way that I believe many mothers can relate to,” says the artist. “She has found a brief quiet moment to contemplate. There is a little concern in her eyes, knowing that there will be pain and hardship in the life of her child, but hope as well, for she knows that God loves her and has a plan for her and her child.”
“She smiles as she reflects on the joy she feels when thinking of her son, turning to the future, confident and anxious, but faithful. Motherhood brings many emotions. Fear, joy, pain, and hope, concern and nearly inexpressible love can all be part of motherhood. No doubt Mary felt inadequate, but steadfast and faithful. She was humbled, though honored to have been chosen to have been part of Christ’s life.”
“Mary must have often thought of the heavenly messenger that brought her such momentous news, the miracle of his birth, the sign in the heavens, the wise men, the shepherds and angels that bore witness. As Christ grew, she surely marveled at His wisdom and obedience, knowing that he was the Son of God.”

Forgiveness lies at the center of the gospel of Jesus Christ. He prepared the way for us to return to our Father in Heaven, through the atonement. So long as we repent of our sins, the path to Eternal Life is clear.
In this scene we witness a great act of compassion. The woman is condemned to death for her sins, but Christ in his wisdom, saves her from that fate and admonishes her to “go and sin no more.” Symbolically, her robe is red, representing her sins, but as she reaches towards Christ, they are beginning to fall away. Her pure white robes are revealed beneath.
In contrast, the Scribes and Pharisees cling to their sins, symbolized by their heavy crimson robes. Full of pride and contempt, they recede to darkness, pulling away from Christ. The woman kneels humbly in the light before her Savior, and in return she finds salvation and feels the redeeming power and joy of the atonement.
“Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow.”
Isaiah 1:18