refracted light

Sometimes God moves people in ways we wouldn't imagine. He accomplishes His purposes in unique ways using unique people who have unique gifts.

My sweet friend June Steckler is a painter. She's an artist by trade and by her very nature. Her work is bright and broad and beautiful. Her art makes you feel something, makes you lift your face to the sun.

While I was in India, June was happily minding her own business, browsing her Facebook in California when she came across some pictures I had posted of Chillakallu. The colors and faces and beauty and sadness inspired her.

So she began to paint.



June painted a series of portraits of the children at New Hope. The portraits are remarkable in their depth and give a special glimpse of the personalities of the subjects. They are full of color, overflowing with sorrow mingled with hope, full of life. I was stunned when I saw what she had done, overwhelmed by the beauty of June's work and the uncanny ability she has to capture emotions with her brush.

June is debuting a collection of art called refracted light at Capitol Public Radio on the campus of Sacramento State University tomorrow--Saturday, April 13th. The India portraits will be for sale, and June is donating all proceeds to New Hope. The paintings will remain there through the month.

Prompted by June's show, I will be posting little stories and snippets about the children whose portraits she painted.



























I am so moved by June's obedience and how she is using her talents to bring hope and justice to a needy community on the other side of the world. She inspires me. And it encourages me to see the way God takes who we are--our special talents and skills--and uses them for His glory when we exercise those gifts and embrace who we were meant to be.


For more info about June or her work (or if, like me, you want to take home a painting or a print because they're so darn gorgeous) please visit her lovely website, junesteckler.com or her Facebook page. Thanks, June!

And stay tuned for more paintings and stories in more posts over the next few days...