The honor it was to paint a birth month flower for a Mama who not only has her birthday in the month of August, but also had her son's first birthday, and experienced a loss of her second all in August, was a painting experience I will never forget. When I received the request to paint poppies with a specific color palette for this sweet friend of mine and sister in Christ, I knew this was an honor and something to not take lightly. I prayed, I got out my materials, and I got to work, knowing this was a high calling and something that would need a lot of thought, consideration, and God Himself to guide the process.
The meaning behind this painting begins with the birth month of this sweet Mama, her son, and her miscarried babe. When I wrote to her the meaning behind this painting, I was sure that more would unfold for her as the days & years go by, but the meaning I knew to share with her was this:
Three August poppies, all intertwined, all stemming up toward their salvation & eternity with their Lord & Savior - A Mama's greatest desire for their littles. Two poppies are in bloom, one a beautiful bud, only to bloom in Heaving with their Creator. Although not in full bloom here on earth, forever an intertwined part of three August babes - one their Mama, on their brother. All three stem from one root. All the same making, all from one sovereign Creator, with one sovereign plan. And the three, the number of completion in Scripture - well, I hope this meaning comes to you in time. While poppies also have a meaning of remembrance and peace - for their color of white and the time of year they are in bloom. So in perfect time your babes came to you, one as a bloom, one to be bloomed in Heaven. And my prayer for you is that you will have peace in Him, all trusting in His perfect plan and timing. I pray as you look at this painting you will soon find your peace in Him and be reminded of His goodness in the midst of sorrow and grief. Thank you for choosing me to paint this God-given moment in time for you. May you always remember His peace as you remember and cherish your sweet August babes. Love, your artist friend, Nicole Lesher.
Here are the images of the painting that go along with the message I sent to my dear friend:
If you or someone you know has experienced a loss, please don't hesitate to reach out. I hope a painting such as this one will help not only honor the Mama who experienced the loss of a child, but will bring her peace and comfort and sweet remembrance of her tiny babe in the hands of Her Sovereign Creator who has a plan for her and her sweet babe that will be revealed if not here on this earth, then in eternity.