I was introduced to using pastel for spiritual devotion for the first time in the retreat held by CCST Vancouver . Although I am not confident in my painting skills, I participated out of curiosity and inner prompting. At that time, I was at a spiritual low point, feeling lost about the future and overwhelmed by frustration, as it seemed that God had not responded to my prayers.

We used Luke 8:22-25 for our retreat. As I meditated on the passage, I felt as though I was in the midst of the stormy sea, my emotions turbulent and unsettled. I used the color yellow ochre to depict my confusion, navy blue for sorrow, and purple-red to express anger, which almost filled the entire canvas.

But the Holy Spirit moved me to pray once again when I read Jesus's question to his disciples, "Where is your faith?" At that moment, a ray of light seemed to emerge from the painting, cutting through the storm and breaking through the darkness. Gradually, the waves within my heart began to calm. I was very thankful for this experience.