BACK STORY
It was about 8 years ago from the time I am writing this. I was reading my bible one morning. I guess it would make for an interesting story if I could say for certain which gospel I was reading. It would make for an even better story if I could say that I was reading John 5:24 when this image popped into my head. I honestly can’t remember which gospel I was reading let a lone what chapter or verse I was in. I never forgot the image though. It’s been as clear as a picture taken with a camera. I don’t have any artistic skills. I can draw stick figures and even those aren’t very good. I never would have been able to get this image out of my head and onto a piece of paper on my own. I’ve attended six different churches since then. Each time I would keep my eyes open for an opportunity to use this image, but nothing ever panned out. I’ve contacted tattoo artists and professional muralists to try and find someone who could take what I saw and put it onto paper. I even tried a few friends I knew who were in the design business. None of my efforts were fruitful. One afternoon in 2020 while at work God opened that door. My brother Scott was working on designing some hat patches and would talk it over with a coworker of ours Mo. Scott mentioned to me after, Mo used to draw and was thinking about getting back to focusing on his talent again. My brother suggested that I talk to Mo about drawing my image. I did. Mo showed me several things he’d drawn in the past. I remember looking at the examples just not sure it would come out the way I wanted it. The way it looked in my head. I had my doubts, but I couldn’t help but think about the anointing of King David in the old testament, 1 Samuel. How appearances can be deceiving and to trust in the one God had chosen. I told Mo lets do it. We were both pumped up to get this put together. It was a lot of back and forth. I would describe what I saw to Mo and he would draw what I explained as he thought it looked. We’d make adjustments and share ideas. It was a great experience. I didn’t figure it would be so difficult for me to explain in enough detail what I saw. Mo nailed it though! As you can see from the finished product. This is yet another lesson in my life of God reveling His timing. As much as I tried, this shirt never would come together, but when the time came, it worked out perfectly. The doors closed because God had something else in mind. Not only was this a blessing to me, having this image that I can actually share with others, but it was a blessing to Mo as well. Mo’s desire to develop his talent was rekindled. Such is the way when we work together within the body of Christ. Our gifts and talents can be used to bless those around us. I hope you’ll enjoy these comfortable shirts. This could be the softest shirt I’ve ever worn. Even more than that though, I hope this unique illustration can help start a conversation with people about their need for Jesus Christ.
John 5:24 is on the back of the shirt. It is a single verse in scripture I thought was best illustrated buy this image. The bonds of our sin bind us to our wage of death (judgement), but it is through hearing and believing the truth that Jesus died on the cross for our sin and was resurrected, that we may be raised to life through faith in God’s promise through Him.
I have to give a shout out to Kristen as well. Without her I don’t think I would have found the perfect font for the scripture. Another lesson God taught me in 2020. When He has something for you to do, He’ll make sure you have everything you need to get it done, and that comes through the people He puts in your life. We’re the body of Christ, and we’re meant to be in this together! Some times it just takes a little patience to see it all come together…
