The Story of the Holy Spirit’s Garden

Back in 2009, I read The Shack by William P. Young. It’s a great book, easy to read, and profoundly moving. The story stayed with me, particularly a scene where the main character walks through a garden with the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit asks, “What do you think of my garden?” The character responds, “Kind of a mess,” to which the Holy Spirit replies, “Like your life.” That imagery struck me. Every growing thing is in the Holy Spirit’s Garden without any discernible plan for why it’s placed where it is. Life is like that — messy yet full of beauty if you look closely.

In 2009, I had a heart issue that led to my first double bypass surgery. I couldn't use my hands when my daughter Amanda brought me home. It was a challenging time, but I walked into my small zinnia garden on that first day home — my favorite flowers. I looked at the garden and recalled "The Shack." My garden mirrored the Holy Spirit’s: wild, unkempt, and messy. But it was beautiful, even in its chaos. I promised myself that when my hands healed, I would paint my own version of the Holy Spirit’s Garden.

Blue Painter’s Tape

Six months passed before I regained movement in my hands. During that time, my creativity returned in unexpected ways. My first post-surgery painting wasn’t a garden but an abstract piece titled "Blue Painter’s Tape." I taped a brush to my hand and let the paint flow. It was raw, emotional, and a symbol of determination.

Not long after, I painted my first zinnia and called it "The Holy Spirit’s Garden." That painting became the start of something much more significant. Since then, I’ve painted over 100 pieces inspired by the beauty of that messy, unplanned garden. These paintings are filled with emotion — each reflects growth, resilience, and the unexpected beauty of embracing life’s chaos. The Holy Spirit’s Garden has transformed into more than just a concept; it’s a way of seeing the world, celebrating the messy, imperfect, and vibrant aspects of life.