From the “Words of Character” series, I present the word “ABIDE.” This was the last word from my men’s group to be illustrated, and it happened to be my word for the year. I picked abide, or rather, it picked me, because I was getting weary trying to do all of the things required to be considered a good Christian. I had become more of a Martha and less of a Mary. Christ said if you “ABIDE” in me, you will bear fruit. We don’t have to try and bear fruit. It should come naturally if we are connected to the Vine. And for me in 2023, I wanted to get reconnected with God. I wanted to fall in love with Him again. I wanted to come into His presence and remain there. I wanted to crave being with God.
Of course, this entire image comes from John 15. Other translations use the word “REMAIN,” which is fine. I like the word ABIDE. There is something poetic about it. As I pondered this word for myself, and thought about vine, branches and fruit, I wanted to juxtapose a figure into the branches, holding the fruit. The word itself is carved into the base of the massive vine, as a lover carves his sweethearts name. The colors are very simple, yet I think they work beautifully together: yellow/green, brown, purple.
