Late on a Monday night in May, when we were well into the Coronavirus quarantine, a man armed with a large landscaping rock vandalized the 95-year-old stained glass window at our church.  His rage at his lot in life, and at God in particular, fueled the rampage, as he beat through the outer plexiglass protection, sending shards deep into the sanctuary. The window is a beautiful expression of faith, showing Jesus carrying a lamb, and has an eastern exposure, which creates a luminous glow during our morning services.  Our entire community has been hurt and saddened by the destruction.  Large boards were erected to cover the 5 x 18" openings left by the removal of the window for repair, bringing unusual darkness to the room.

The correlations to our current crisis with the pandemic and unrest of our citizens, are plentiful. There is fear, stress, sadness, frustration and hopelessness.  At this point in time it is hard to see where it will all end.

This painting was started the week after the vandalism.  As it progressed, a few lines put in here and there took on a new importance and became more and more plentiful, until a stained glass effect emerged.  The reference photo was taken in Valle Crucis, or "Valley of the Cross" as the original settlers called it, in the mountains of North Carolina. This spot is an outdoor chapel of sorts, and a good place to go for peaceful reflection.

It is my hope and prayer that, just as the window has been repaired and returned to our sanctuary, our communities will come through these difficult times a little stronger.... and while easing out from under the cloud of sad events we find ourselves in, life will be all the sweeter for the struggle.

For more information about the window: https://www.wxii12.com/article/pastor-says-congregation-concerned-for-vandal/32627248