The Lifter of My Head II

The Lifter of My Head II, 30"x30", acrylic on wrapped canvas

I keep noticing flowers with their heads turned down. I have wondered why - why is such beauty being hidden?

On one of my 'treasure hunts' around the yard, I captured this little Springtime beauty (a Columbine). The warm lighting and the   exquisite lines and shapes in the petals revealed a bit of glory right there in our side yard!

But - why the downward pose?

This verse from the Bible came to mind:
"But you, O LORD, are a shield about me, my glory, and the lifter of my head." (found in Psalm 3:3)

"The lifter of my head" ... Ahhh ... I then saw the flower face down as a person - in grief, despair, or shame (symbolized by the rainy sky). But the scene is far from hopeless!

From above, the bloom is cast in the warm light of God's presence and affection. At the same time, he is coming around underneath, gently touching and lifting the downcast 'chin'. The head is lifting and hope is being restored (symbolized by the highlighted circles and their upward movement).

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The Lifter of My Head, 18x36in., acrylic on wrapped canvas

This is 'The Lifter of My Head I', inspired by a transplanted woodland flower blooming outside of my studio window.

It's a sweet little flower with its bloom also facing down. The water droplets are still fresh from a night of rain.

The morning sun has broken through!

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I came across this commentary, "Barnes notes on the Bible". These comments describe the inspiration behind this image: "And the lifter up of my head - The head, in time of trouble and sorrow is naturally bowed down, as if overpowered with the weight of affliction. ... To lift up the head, therefore, or to raise one up, is to relieve his distresses, or to take away his troubles. Such a helper, David (the author of this Psalm) says, he had always found God to be, and he looks to him as one who is able to help him still. That is, he feels that God can so entirely take away his present griefs as to reinstate him in his former happy and honorable condition."