From Despair to Hope: The Transformative Journey of Painting Saved by the Bell during COVID

In 2022, I created the painting “Saved by the Bell.” I can't recall the exact situation I was experiencing at the time of COVID, but during my prayerful reflection on one of challenges, I felt inspired to paint. What stands out is that by the end of the painting process, I felt a sense of hope. It wasn't a fragile hope that leads to disappointment, but a solid lifeline I could grasp, trusting that God would transform the difficult situation for my benefit and for others. If you're seeking a lifeline to hold onto, today's blog post is for you.

“Saved by the bell” 2022. Mixed media on canvas, 20cm x 20cm

Sometimes, we face ongoing pressures, and fortunately, we then get a brief pause to prepare for future challenges. For me, one such moment of moving from despair to hope occurred during COVID, while I was on the transformative journey of painting Saved by the Bell.

The inspiration for the painting's name comes from the phrase “saved by the bell,” which signifies being rescued from a difficult situation by the ringing of a bell. This is similar to when a student is about to be called for an oral exam, but the school bell rings just in time, or when a boxing round ends with the bell, allowing the boxers to rest and plan their strategy for the next round. 

Instead of sharing my journey with this painting, I've asked my friend, to whom I had given the painting a few years ago, to explain what it signified to her when she initially received it. However, she shared what it meant to her only a few weeks ago. Here is what my friend Jane shared: 

Rejoice, rejoice. As I look at the bell picture, the words rejoice, rejoice come to mind. So often, I feel wrapped up in busyness and often find myself not stopping to think about what the Lord has done and is doing each day for me. Often, I feel stuck, and over the last few months, I have been in a season of dryness and feeling in a wilderness.

I was reminded recently of the story in Ezekiel of the dry bones coming to life, a reminder of new hope. As I look further into the painting, I see the hand stretched out. We often forget to reach out to the Lord in every circumstance. Despite the feeling of ‘dryness,’ we must remember God's promises of new hope and the bones coming to life. God has not forgotten us; He never slumbers and is always working in the background for our good.

I have been off work for a long period of time due to a back injury, and it became clear to me after medical consultation that I could not return to the same role. This situation led me to wholly reach out to the Lord and trust in Him. I had to ask myself, how often had I been doing this? Often trying in my own strength to accomplish things.

As I had to make a decision about returning to work, I came to a crossroads. Within 24 hours, I received an email offering me a different position within the school that I work in, which is perfect. Finances had become available, enough just to cover my salary. I return to my new job next week, thanking the Lord and rejoicing with new hope.

Isaiah 43:18-19

“Do not call to mind the former things, Or consider things of the past. Behold, I am going to do something new, Now it will spring up; Will you not be aware of it? I will even make a roadway in the wilderness, Rivers in the desert."

While observing the painting, you can pray for God to reveal a concrete lifeline for you to grasp during your present times of ongoing pressures.

"and hope does not disappoint, because the love of God has been poured out within our hearts through the Holy Spirit who was given to us." Romans 5:5