Almost a year ago…
our best friends lost their sweet son …
I cannot grasp the depth of grief
they have learned to lean into since then…
Jack touched so many hearts.
It was a privilege to be a part of his life.
They will tell you…
that their faith
has carried them through
this difficult season.
They will tell you…
that they look intensely
for God’s messages of hope
and any signs of light
that can help them through
each day,
each hour,
each moment…
They will tell you…
God
has comforted them greatly
through His word, His people and His creations around.
One of these comforts that seems to touch Jenny’s heart
is
the red cardinal…
She says…
every time she thinks of Jack…
a cardinal appears!
Of course…
this sweet message just had to be painted!
So… I ventured into the land of red paint
and discovered a few interesting thoughts to ponder
while attempting to capture this little bird
on a canvas for my friend.
Did you know?
CARDINALI
(latin)
means chief…
hence the impressive Indian head-dress
that crowns the top of its red head…
CARDINIS
(latin)
relates to the hinge of a door
or the pivot to turn the hinge…
it is what allows a door to swing open…
and is originally derived
from crux or cross…
CARDO
(greek)
also means heart…
CARDINAL
(adjective)
indicates a matter of great importance
Could it be…
that the Cardinal comes
to remind us
that our loved ones
have passed through the (hinged) door
of this life on earth
and into the heart of our
Chief
Creator of all things?
Could it be…
that the One who carried the cross…
is the One who stands at the door
ready and waiting to hinge the door open
for His children to cross?
Could it be…
that your heart’s cry
is of great importance…
So much so,
that a tiny feathered messenger
was sent
to comfort you and say…
‘they are with me’.
May we remember
to look towards the One
who opens and closes
the doors of our hearts
when we’re feeling
HEAVY…
May we add
an E,N and an L
to that feeling…
and let our burdens be lifted
like the red bird in flight…
and turn the heavy
into the
HEAVenlY…
THE CARDINAL
a sign to those
left tending this earth…
a song for the heart
and all of its hurts…
a note to revive
the truth of His word…
the red cardinal
soars above as it sings…
the red cardinal
lifts
our hearts
with red wings.
As a tribute to Jack and his family…
I painted many cardinals as a loving reminder
of those who have gone ahead of us.
His family would like to raise awareness
of the opioid and heroin epidemic
that is attempting to overtake our country
and attacking our children.
A percentage of the proceeds of these cardinals
will be given to MusiCares Foundation
to help loved ones
struggling with addiction
be able to afford a recovery program.
Jack was an incredibly gifted guitar player
and played with a red pic.
A red guitar pic can be found embedded in several
of the cardinals in memory of his gift
in playing the guitar
like a boss.
P.S… The cardinal does not migrate like the other birds!
‘He will never leave you or forsake you’
Deut 31:6
Send me a message if you are interested in purchasing a cardinal…
Cardinal Scarf in linen ($150.00)
Commissioned Artwork (Contact Artist)
A percentage will go towards the Music Care Foundation
in memory of Jack Gray.
Kim, you have found such a beautiful way to convey comfort to all who have lost loved ones by any means and to help a very worthy cause. I’m so proud of you.
Thank you so very much Aunt Patty! That is my hope … for God’s comfort to help as many people as possible!
I love you and hope you had a wonderful Christmas with the fam!!!
Wow, Kim, I remember you explaining your cardinal to me and I just love how you told this story of your sweet dear friend. What you are doing is so meaningful.
Tracy… this was such a difficult season as you know and I think it helped more than we knew at the time heal a little bit more… This little red bird continues to amaze me as it continues to fly around telling their story and raising awareness for such a needed cause. I am grateful to be a tiny part of it!
Kim, Jenny and I are moved beyond words.
Randy and Jenny… it was an honor to be a part of God’s message to you and soooo many others who have lost loved ones. I can only imagine where He is taking us all on the next part of this journey… it’s going to be good!
I would like to purchase one
Please give me instructions on how to order
Hi Allison… you can email me at kim@josephinesworld and we can get the artwork to you
Hi Allison… If you can send me an email at [email protected] we can get the artwork to you!
There is so much AMAZING goodness in this post. The painting itself, the photos, your God given ability to weave Our Savior’s perfect love into ALL that we walk through here on Earth. Although I don’t think I actually ever met Jack, I know I prayed for him and I know I love him. The opioid/heroin epidemic is a worthy opponent but Our Father is raising up an army of loving powerful soldiers (moms and dads, recovering addicts, friends and loved ones of addicts) I am blessed to be one of them! Love you Kim!
Amen, Amen, Amen to every bit of that truth Kim! An army for sure is being raised up! I love you my friend and can’t wait to hear about your Christmas!
Ohhhh!!!! The Jesus truths, the hope, the healing…!!!! God created earth before man and has curated each with more deeper meaning for us to see Him within.
My Mum’s favorite bird is also the cardinal–and she is blessed each time one is near. This message, with the passing of my father, speaks to my spirit. Thank you for using your God-given voice of writing and art. Xo!~D
D… I loved getting to talk to you before Christmas and I pray the day was covered with comfort and peace. I’m planning on mailing your cardinal tomorrow! And yes… I love so much all of the little hidden nuggets of truth and revelation God has placed right in front of our little noses to share more of who He is and who We are created to BE! I love you my friend and am enjoying our friendship greatly!
Kim, by far the best so far. I know what Jenny and Randy are going through, and your story of the cardinal is amazing. I wish it could have been me reading this message of hope 22 years ago. And after 22 years since we lost Brandon, I was so touched by this message. Thank you for this.
Linda! Your message touched my heart… so much that I shared it with Jenny! I can only imagine how hard that was for you and Eric. I’m so so glad this message possibly helped heal your heart a little bit more… ALL thanks be to Jesus! I love you and am so grateful you are in our lives!
Kim I would like to purchase a Cardinal.
Hi Mary… Let me know what size and I’ll get one to you. You can email me at [email protected] with the details. And thank you so much for your support!
I would lije a 4 x 4
I would love to get
A cardinal in honor of Jack… how do I purchase?
Hi Suzie… If you email me at [email protected] … I can give you the details and find out what size you are wanting. Thank you so much. I love this new found foundation in honor of Jack!
I would like be to purchase a 6×6 in memory of Jack❤️
Lorin!!! I have your name on a 6 x 6. You can come by to pick it up or I can meet you somewhere. Just text me what works for you …. and thank you so much!!!
I would like to purchase one!
Hi Christine… I’m delighted to save one for you… if you email me at [email protected] … we can figure out what size and how to get it to you. Thanks so much for investing in a great cause!
Oh Kim, your words, your art and your kindness are overwhelming! Randy and Jenny are blessed to have you memorialize Jacknin such an amazing way! We would like at 6×6 please!
Hi Amy… You are so sweet!!! And if anything… Randy and Jenny have been the blessing to me! I put your name down on one of the last ones before starting a new batch. Would you like to drop by to pick it up? or we could meet somewhere?
That has moved me to tears, so beautifully expressed.
I too have lost a loved one to opioid addiction.
I know what a gift it is to have such loving and caring friends. Thank you for being there for her.
Ruthie… I am sorry to hear about your loved one and am so thankful this message helped to breathe hope into your loss. I pray your healing continues! And it has been an honor to be a part of their lives… THEY have been the blessing in my life!
Kim,
Your beautiful words and paintings touch my heart beyond words!! I love how God is working through you to help others! I would like to purchase a 6 X 6.
I have you down for one 6 x 6 Linda! Sold out of the first 24 and am starting a new batch. I will let you know when it’s done and thank you so much for your sweet words!!!
For some reason I was unable to get my commenet to send Just know that I seek cardinals and find them in nature, but also in many designs and know God has His eye on us. You know I need a 6×6 ! Even in death your art brings life!
Sandra!!! Your comment came through on the blog! So whatever you did… keep doing it! Hehe… and thank you for your encouraging words! I love how God speaks to each of us in His own special way. I just started a new flock of red birds to paint and your name is on one of the larger ones! I’ll contact you when they are done!
I see that the third time I wrote something is what came through, so not sure what difference was. Just know you inspire me with your spiritual insights and bless me with your artistic talent. Cant wait to get a cardinal to hang with my fishes
Hi Kim – Paul and I would like to get a 6 x 6 in memory of Jack! You, Randy and Jenny are beyond inspiring!
Hi Charlotte! I have your name on the second round of paintings. I will let you know when it’s finished! Thank you so much for supporting Jack’s foundation and Josephine’s World! Love, Kim
Kim
Simply Beautiful
Thanks for sharing with me.
Awww… Toni! Thanks for reading about it! I love being able to share God’s Hope in what seems to be a dreary situation. I love that we are connected and can’t wait to find out what little “gender” of Hope will be born this year through you!!!
I definitely want a 4×4 cardinal, of course to support the foundation and for my dear friends. I love to pray outside in the morning and rarely miss seeing a cardinal either singly or several at a time. Thank you for sharing your knowledge regarding their presence.
I have your cardinal Nancy! And I love that The Cardinal spoke to your heart!
Hi Kim,
Cardinals have always had a special place in my heart for the very reasons that you shared. I would love to purchase a 6×6. I love all of your parintings.
Hi Lisa… By now, I’m sure your cardinal has landed somewhere cozy in your home. Feel free to send me a pic! And I hope you received your cards as well! You are such an encouragement to keep going!!!
This is lovely. Thank you for sharing this story and for the God-given way you are able to see this tragedy. Prayers for all who suffer from addiction and for those whose loved ones suffer.
Yes Mary… we need to keep pulling together through prayers and support for all of the families fighting this battle. Thank you for taking the time to read and help to spread the news and awareness!
I am interested in purchasing the 4×4 painting. Please let me know how to purchase.
Hey Julie! I have one for you if you are still interested ❤️
That was so beautifully written. I thought you had note cards but realize it is a painting.
Hi Judy! Yes there are note cards too and I am happy to send you a set. Thank you so much for your sweet words!!! This family is so close to my heart!
I love my Cardinal! I love your work and your sincere kindness!!
Yay! So happy he made it safely to your nest!!! And thank you Tracy for all of you sweet words and support!
Ms Kim, this is beautiful! What a gift you have.
Seeing a cardinal has always reminded me of the brother I lost. Now they’ll all be hinges swinging open that door. I’m so glad you mentioned this to me.