God Himself gave me the vision of this piece at a time when, actually, I was experiencing a relative sense of calmness in my life, even though I had been through such an experience as the above. I saw the hand of the Lord holding a rope with this young woman clutching tightly to the bottom end. She was in the midst of a fierce storm. The sky appeared dark and dismal, the winds blew with a mighty force. She appeared battered and worn by the trials and tribulations of her life. As the woman held onto the rope, it began unraveling down to a mere thread, but the other hand of the Lord was outstretched beneath her to secure her. God then divinely spoke to me and said, "Can you praise Me in the midst of the storm?" He then inspired me to render the vision on canvas and entitle it, "Hold On!"

At times in my life, I had been like this young woman, holding on for dear life through such a tumultuous storm as this. As a result, I sometimes experienced self-pity, I complained, and then forgot that God was there. He revealed to me that it is easy for us to praise Him when things are going well and blessings are flowing in, but what about those times when things aren't going so well and trouble is flowing in? Can you offer up praise unto Me then and still BELIEVE that I am the Almighty GOD? I then had to realize that He is "a very present help in trouble" [Psalm 46:1] and I must praise my way through all my struggles. Surely He has delivered me and He continues to be "the strength of my life" [Psalm 91:1].

As you view this painting, let GOD minister to you His love, His power, His presence in your life and His control over every situation. If you are in the midst of a storm as this young woman, know that the unchanging hand of GOD will secure you and enable you to make it through and be victorious. Offer Him the sacrifice of praise and He will strengthen you. Believe GOD and He will deliver you. He promised to never leave or forsake you. My friend, no matter what your situation is, remember that GOD will bring you through it all if you just... HOLD ON!