But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world

So, remember when I was all: must have something that can only be found in a monastery in Dubuque, Iowa?

I wanted this:

 

A nun drew this for her order's Christmas card a few years ago, and I think I first saw it when I followed a link from Jennifer's site to a Catholic news blog. I think. I can't really remember, it was a long time ago, but that sounds right. I saved the image and hunted unsuccessfully for a copy online. Another Jennifer finally prodded me to just email the nuns (duh) and that's when I found out I could only buy the print in person. In a monastery. In Dubuque, Iowa.

Miraculously (and I mean that) Sarah offered to run my errand for me while road tripping through the Midwest. In the meantime I started up a wonderful correspondence with a warm and friendly Sister Carol at the abbey, dorkily introducing her to mommyblogs and organizing a late night drop off/pick up/money in sealed envelope scheme. A few weeks later a package of cards showed up in my mailbox. 

A few real life people asked me what I was so desperate to buy from a monastery in Dubuque, Iowa and when I told them they were like, "OH. Right. Well then." So I'm afraid I might be disappointing you too, but there is something about this picture that I love, something hopeful and wonderful and I had to have my own copy.

There's a lot I could say (and have tried to say, you should see my drafts folder) about this picture, but it doesn't come out in quite the right way. It's one of those times when I realize I am not the writer I would like to be. 

It doesn't say a thousand words so much as, "But be of good cheer, I have overcome the world." Which is one of my favorite verses (and, to be honest, one of the very few verses I actually REMEMBER). But what I most love about it is its female perspective. It's one woman lifting up another, one who is bound to guilt and shame and fear. 

The text inside the card reads:

My mother, my daughter, life-giving, Eve,
Do not be ashamed, do not grieve,
The former things have passed away,
Our God has brought us to a New Day.
See, I am with Child,
Through whom all will be reconciled.
Oh Eve! My sister, my friend,
We will rejoice together
Forever,
Life without end.

Obedient, faithful, strong Mary. Her foot on the serpent, her face compassionate. Thank God. Doesn't it make you feel that way? Thank God. 

I've given up on being articulate before I write about faith. Well, let's say I WANT to give up on being articulate. And being right, knowing what I'm talking about, giving accurate descriptions, knowing more verses, knowing more history, having an Effect, growing a thicker skin, all that stuff. I want to write about it more, and if I wait until I am and have all those things, I'll never write anything.

Comments

[Carrie]

I remember distinctly a time in 1999 when I was completely lost and unsure where God was taking me in my life. I had a dead-end job and no friends (since I had moved somewhere that I knew no one) and a college degree that I couldn't figure out what to do with. I remember sitting at my crappy job and writing that verse over and over. There is so much power in those words. He hasn't forgotten us, he knows we will face challenges and hardships, and he is there in it.

I love the drawing. Very beautiful.

[Manda]

That is a very powerful image. Aren't you glad that there are artists out there who can express the things we cannot say? I am.
This is just really cool. Thank you for sharing it!

[Beth]

Maggie - I love this verse - it is inscribed on the inside of my parents' wedding rings. I'm glad you are the kind of person who tracks down a picture that she really wants from a monastery in Iowa!

[Leandra]

Thank God, indeed.

And I thought you wrote about that beautifully and expressed what you were trying to say perfectly.

Thank you for sharing that with us.

[Shelby]

That's really beautiful! I can understand why you wanted a copy of it.

As Leandra said, thank God, indeed!

[Tara]

Wow. What a beautiful picture. Thanks for sharing!

[kellilu]

I've never seen it from that perspective, but what a beautiful way to express joy and hope at Christ's coming. I'll be coming back here to look at that picture often during Advent, I think.

Thanks for sharing.

[el-e-e]

Gorgeous. I love your insight - one woman lifting another woman up. And I think you wrote it just right.

[Elizabeth]

My picture! Even cooler now that I know what it means and I can trace my story and how it links with your story and Mary's story. The sisterhood of women is a powerful thing indeed.

Apropos of nothing, here's the only verse I can ever remember:

But as it is written, Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love him.

[Jess]

I'm so glad you were able to get this card. It is a beautiful image.

[Rosemary]

Thanks, Maggie. I am Eve still clutching the apple even though my mother and my Savior are right here! Needed this.

[antonia]

It's very moving.
thanks for sharing it.

Antonia
xx

[Sarah in Ottawa]

It's beautiful, Maggie. If is speaks to you, so much the better.

For me, the go to verse is Philippians 4: 6-7. "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus." It was my mantra through some particularly rough patches and we chose it for the 2nd Reading at our wedding. The sentiment is a total no brainer - 'pray, silly!', but when I am starting to get anxious or overwhelmed, I need the reminder.

Faith is such a difficult thing to write about, I find, because it is so deeply personal. Know that whatever and whenever you write, you will have support from this reader.

[maggie]

Great post...thanks for writing...I love your explanation of the art! How beautiful.

[Sarah]

I first saw your post and said to myself, "Hey, I have that card..." DUH! I liked being able to do something for someone I've never met (you know, in real life), and I'm glad the card means so much to you.

I actually bought one for myself as well. I thought it was such an amazing picture, and such a beautiful juxtaposition of our failings and God's grace.

[Annie]

Maggie! I started crying instantly upon seeing that picture and now I can't stop. What a beautiful image. I have long been attracted to the theology of Mary as the New Eve, but have never taken the time to really picture what that means. This is beautifully done, and so touching. Thanks for posting it here for all of us to see. xo

[Annie]

And...can I say? You expressed everything about it perfectly, eloquently and beautifully.

[Kate P]

Beautiful picture, Maggie--and beautiful words about it from you. You are articulate in your sincerity!