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The inspiration for this painting was a conversation with my son. He was feeling overwhelmed by his health challenges, that make it particularly difficult to “be Normal” as a teenager. We were discussing how each of us has our challenges to help us learn compassion and grow strong, and that is the gift on the other side of our pains. He questioned why God felt the need to give him so many.... Good question. I saw the analogy in horses, his Fears were not small , no “easy to ride” old mare....but a wild stallion. That first he had to just confront (to face) the fear of the horse and eventually he would tame it and ride it . The gift God had given him was when he was through these difficulties he would have a stallion to ride the rest of his life ,not just some old nag.

The painting title became condensed to “ Spirit Rider”, Our biggest Fears conquered, become our Courage to ride. Just like strong swords God tempers us with Fire, and we come through with earned self confidence, knowing we can handle more and more with less and less fear , as we have gained Faith in the process.

Mimi von Litolff

Spirit Rider