I created this piece at a very emotionally tumultuous time in my life; I had just lost someone very dear to me.

I knew that in order for me to begin my healing journey, I had to surrender the plans and dreams that I had for my future and release them to God. Painting these doves taking flight was my declaration of faith, telling the Father, "I trust You." While the setting of my life looked dark and was filled with grief, these doves symbolized the beauty and freedom that comes from a trusting heart. It was learning to truly trust God that helped me find victory in that season of my life. Where the enemy had come to kill, steal and destroy, surrender took me above the enemy.

True freedom is not being in control of your life, but entrusting it to the goodness of God. You cannot be free and own your life. It is in the letting go that we can take flight and live in the victorious love of God.

This artwork profoundly speaks to the Ephesians 6:10-20 passage. Entitled, "When You Let Go," this painting is about living life in obedient surrender. When we live from faith in God and trust Him fully, we are clothed with the armor of God.

"When You Let Go" particularly speaks to verse 12--"For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms."

When we are wrestling with our circumstances, or even a war within, we have to remember that the battle belongs to the Lord. It is in remembering that we are hidden in Christ that we ascend above the enemy's battleground. With this mindset, we live our lives triumphantly, aware that the enemy lives UNDER our feet.

The doves in this piece remind us that we are seated ABOVE all principalities, meaning that we have all authority over the schemes of the evil one. Spiritual victory is resting and living in complete agreement-- spirit, soul, and body-- that Jesus has already won every battle we face. Abiding in the finished work of Jesus Christ is the ultimate protection and weapon we have in every battle we face.

I want to thank my husband Eric Wandrey, for always championing me in my artistic endeavors, and for being such an inspiration in my life.

I want to thank Melissa Dittrich for being one of the biggest cheerleaders in my life. Your belief in me has produced more fruit in my life than you know.

I want to thank my mom, Penny Barenklau, for investing in me again and again. Your faith in me and generosity is the reason this painting exists.

The cost of this piece is $2,222. In order to purchase, please email me at shelby@shelbywandrey.com or call/text me at 530.776.7237. You may also contact me via Instagram @shelbywandreystudio.

I make custom made art work for clients on a regular basis. I work in various mediums, included graphite, charcoal, colored pencil, acrylic paint and oil paint. If you would like to see my portfolio of commissioned work, please visit shelbywandrey.com and click on the "work with me" tab. There you will find a form to fill out for your commission inquiry, or feel free to email me at shelby@shelbywandrey.com.