The Symbol of Love

“Since the letters S and Y written in cursive make a heart, I knew I had to use this as a symbol…”

I was around 29 years old when I found that I was an artist. God had brought me through an intense time of healing from the many wounds that were inflicted on me from childhood - both emotionally and physically.

I was at a crossroad, life was falling apart.  I had carried so much emotional baggage into my marriage, it seemed impossible to survive it.  My husband, Steve, was a crucial part my healing process. And, if you have not read my story on forgiveness, I encourage you to do so. (Link below)

Years ago, Steve took the Word of God and began to read it to me daily.  We learned so many things we could apply to our relationship and to the wounds of the past, to say the least. Through nightly devotions we learned how to heal our marriage.  Books about godly relationships were stacked on the nightstand.  Whatever it took to change the course of history, we were determined to do it.

The childhood wounds were deep.  Unresolved painful memories had done a serious work on my mind and heart.  There are no words to describe the warped thinking and overreactions I had to simple matters. I was not able to develop my talents or hold a job.  I felt oppressed. I seemed to fail at reaching my goals, much less my dreams.

So, Steve continued to apply the Word to my aching heart, and things changed.  God showed me how to forgive.  With each passing day I found new freedoms.  Steve, as a vital part of this healing journey - held my hand with each step.  He often reassured me that everything I was and would become, was accepted.  Being severely insecure, this acceptance changed how I saw myself. I knew I was loved as is!

It was then, the art ability was discovered.  Steve noticed me doodling on a napkin in a restaurant.  He took me to the art store and we purchased my first set of artist pencils, then paints, etc.  When I started painting, it was as if I had been painting for many years.  Healing had taken me light years forward.

I knew that this ability was because of my God and Steve.  I wanted to find a way to acknowledge it.  Since the letters S and Y written in cursive would make a heart, I knew I needed to use this as a symbol of the love between God, Steve and I. We called it “One Heart Marriage!”  Putting God in the center of everything was key.

From the onset of my artist life, my signature begins with the ‘SY’ and has been on every art piece for over 20 years.  It is the symbol of healing, love, mercy, grace, second chances, and forgiveness.

Thank you my dear Steve - you never gave up on me, and thank you precious Jesus for second chances!