As I was searching for a picture that shows Victory in Surrender, I found this copy of Renae Zanella’s painting entitled Surrender. Her write up about this painting is what I have in mind about the topic. Here is the excerpt of her testimony (https://renae-zanella.com/2022/10/12/surrender/):

“I planned to paint this outside to celebrate my 4-year sobriety anniversary. I got to start the piece outside but then the wind started whipping. My paint was drying instantly as it touched the canvas. I couldn’t see half the time cuz my hair was in my face. Then the farmer across the road pulled up with a few tractors and semis to harvest. Which was just hilarious to have so much going on for this painting I’m calling “Surrender”! But with what felt like chaos surrounding me it turned out to be the greatest example of how we need to surrender and go with the flow. It’s not our plan but Gods! …

I painted a silhouette of a person in a surrender pose down on their knees forehead down with their arms stretched out straight in front of them on the ground. Then I painted light starting to come up behind the silhouette of the person that looks like people pulling each other up. They represent all the people alive and in heaven that help us and guide us. The overall image at this point also represents a fire that is burning inside my heart and soul for God. “  <!–split–>

The black lines that drip from underneath the person represent the pain from the past that grips us and the temptation of the future that tries to keep us stuck in the past by making the same choices. Then I start to paint water over and through those black lines to represent the Holy Spirit working through us to free us from everything. Then I painted the blue sky to represent a new day where there is hope, progress and growth. Every day is a clean slate where we can start again and try to do better. It’s a choice every day who you’re going to serve the Light or the Dark. I was inspired to paint bubbles being released from the person into the sky to represent all the things that we need to let go of. “Surrender” is the path to peace, joy and contentment. And that path is paved with prayers and gratitude. Through it all I have learned that surrendering every day, sometimes all day long is good for my heart, mind and soul. Some days are more challenging but then there is growth. Let go.

Trust in God. God uses everything for his good. Trust in God with all of your heart and do not lean onto your own understanding.   Proverbs 3:5-6