The Story Behind Choose Hope
Choose Hope is available as prints [here]
What hard thing would you choose to do on purpose?
For two incredible women I came to know through this project, it was completing a triathlon: on purpose, and on their terms. They trained through grief, rooted in strength, friendship, and faith. Holding tight to their shared motto: Choose Hope.
This piece was born from a perfect constellation of moments, many timely nudges, open hearts, and acts of trust that rippled outward in ways none of us could’ve orchestrated alone. When J reached out to commission this artwork, I was at a personal crossroads, deeply questioning whether to continue pursuing art professionally. Her request came as an answer to a quiet, heartfelt prayer. “I knew the person to do this painting was you.” She couldn’t have known how much I needed that call.
To fully tell the story, I need to go back a little further.
Years before, a friend who had moved away asked me to deliver a print to J, who had just lost her husband. I was also asked to give her a hug on behalf of our friend. That hug led to a lovely and real conversation, a sweet connection. Neither of us could’ve known what would come from that moment.
Fast forward, and J felt inspired to commission a piece for her two friends, R and S. They were going through intense life challenges and chose to do something physically hard to help with their emotional weight: they trained for a triathlon together.
“Our theme is CHOOSE HOPE!” they wrote to their community.
“When faced with something hard, especially when the situation feels insurmountable, making the conscious decision to choose hope has unlocked the scripture, ‘I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.’ (Philippians 4:13)”
J followed a spiritual prompt to commission the piece. She didn’t know that her message would encourage me to keep going with art. I didn’t know yet how many people this one piece would touch. But we both trusted the process.
Working with J was wonderful, and ideal collaboration: open, respectful, and insightful. We talked through ideas, symbols, and design choices. I was intimidated by the request to make two identical fully hand-painted originals, but from the first sketches, the ideas flowed. It really felt like I was a channel for something bigger than myself.
These are the key symbols in the piece:
Two women holding hands in victory and friendship
The “O” in Hope is a bike wheel—part of the triathlon
Their hair flows like water to represent the swim
A flowing ribbon for the finish line, with laurel leaves for victory, holding the word “Choose”
The scripture is nestled between them—uniting and grounding everything in faith
Partway through the process, I asked J if one of the women might be R. I had a feeling. It was a person I knew and already admire. That extra connection gave even more meaning to the piece for me. I painted with even more intention.
As J reflected on this piece, she said:
“It’s awesome how the Spirit uses us to do His work, including reminding us that we are known and loved. This was one of those blessings that just kept going and getting wider as it developed.”
Later, I had the chance to share a meal with R and S. We shared stories, laughter, and mutual understanding. That moment, sitting together with full hearts and bellies, was pure grace. We really saw each other.
S wrote:
“To receive the art was an incredible honor. I felt like all my feelings, trials, faith, actions—and most importantly, my hope—were all wrapped up in this piece and wouldn’t be forgotten.”
“I have it next to my bed so I can see it every day. I even shared it during a lesson with the young women [I teach,] to show that through trials, we can still be victorious and strengthened by Christ.”
R added:
“I have never had a piece of art commissioned before—it moved me to tears. This piece reminds me not just of what we accomplished, but of the women who walked it with me. I look forward to the day I can gift someone art that celebrates them too.”
Honestly, I feel so lucky to have been part of this whole experience.
When I think about all the pieces that had to fall into place: the print, the hug, the timing, the openness to follow promptings, the choices, the triumphs to celebrate, I feel awe. Everyone played a role. Now this artwork exists as a tangible reminder of strength, love, faith, and hope.
Sometimes we’re planting seeds we don’t even know are seeds.
And recently, Choose Hope was the piece I chose to highlight in my Master’s program application, this piece keeps on giving. I reached out to everyone again to gather their versions of the story, and it reminded me how powerful these collaborations can be. I'm so grateful I asked.
This project changed me. It reminded me that art can heal, connect, and uplift, and that I want to keep creating work that does just that. Art is powerful!
So what hard thing would you choose to do on purpose?
For my artists friend or anyone interested