“Passion,” by Denise Neumann, 2009 © 18”x24” acrylic on canvas

“Passion,” by Denise Neumann, 2009 © 18”x24” acrylic on canvas

I was painting one morning during a conference. I had nothing. I was a single mom with two elementary aged children, in school part time and was tired. As my head hit the pillow, I threw up a simple prayer, "Father, what should I paint?"

"A passion flower. But make it big." He replied, just as simply.

I went to bed and slept.

The next day, scrambling to get the kids were they needed to be, set up for the conference, and my sales table, I asked Him again, thinking it couldn't be that simple. 

"I already told you, a passion flower." He said matter-a-fact.

I kind of chuckled, "Oh. I get it. It's because you are passionate for us....like a play on words." and I carried on with my morning.

After I painted the flower, a lady approached me and shared that she petitioned the Lord earlier that week that she needed a sign from Him. He told her to come to the conference. Earlier that year, her brother passed away. That night she had a dream her mom, who also was in heaven presented her brother with a giant passion flower, her favorite flower. 

The painting brought such confirmation and encouragement. Don't ever doubt when God lays something on your heart. It doesn't have to make sense. You just need to be obedient.