Mary Jane Q Cross, Fingerpainter ~ An Inspiring Interview

"Pillar of Grace in Jaresh" by Mary Jane Q Cross

This painting is a favorite of mine by Mary Jane Q Cross because of its warmth along with the biblical and geographical setting. The romantic in me is taken back in time as I view this woman and wonder what her story is.

Mary Jane Q Cross is also responsible for many of the beautiful pictures I posted in the "Women in the Ark" Series. However, there is something special you should know about her artwork… she painted these with her fingers.

Yes, these beautiful pictures have all been fingerpainted! Tremors overtook her body years ago which removed her ability to use paint brushes. She spent five and a half years retraining herself as an artist. These pictures are a beautiful blend of her new style of art since 95 to 98% of her work is accomplished with her fingertips. The other percentage is done with a prosthetic device of brushes that she created.

My favorite part about Mary Jane is her faith! When I first "met" her through emails a year ago, I asked permission to place some of her paintings on my blog for the "Women in the Ark" Series. I felt that I should warn her of the conservative Christian content that may accompany her artwork. Her instant reply back was as follows,

"I, hands down, fully serve the Lord Jesus Christ. Being OK with "the conservative content" is a balm to my soul and a dear and lovely friend of my work."

Don't you just love her?

Mary Jane Q Cross (Photo by Cindy Wilson)

Her love for the Lord is seen through her many "paintings of prayer" and poetry that accompanies many of the paintings (my personal favorite is shown below). Her life is a wonderful testimony that God will give grace to those whose desire is to glorify Him.

Inspiring Interview... Questions with Mary Jane Q Cross:

JES: What inspired you to paint the daughter in law's of Noah series?

Mary Jane Q Cross: 

It was a trip to Jordan with a lovely large family. I was looking for scenes that would speak to me and I did find Petra and Wadi Rum captivating my historical senses. I do believe I could have painted for months with no other input. The stars at night were the same ones over my  New England and I felt how much we are so connected with other cultures and times in history. The women of Jordan were a particular inspiration. Ruth was a Moabitess. No matter what our tragic family trees can be, God is the King of redeeming what we are if we trust Him. Quiet personal trust is the theme of these paintings. 

JES: Who is your favorite woman of the Bible and why?

Mary Jane Q Cross: 

My choices change with different things that go on in life, Jes. In the past it has been Esther, the woman looking for the widow's mite, Mary Of Bethany , Martha, and the seller of purple. More tenderly right now is Leah. She was unloved by Jacob who favored Rachel. However God was so present with her to give her children. The line of Judah, her forth son, is the line of David and Jesus. What incredible Grace God makes from people willing to be His alone. There is a bit of the same kind of loneliness in being a painter. It does however make me very much look forward to being the Bride of Christ in the New Jerusalem. It is an odd kind of longing that what we long for will be fulfilled. It is also a reminder that God loves me, with a dedicated and magnificent love, just as I am. It is not for appearance, or performance, (or Leah her eyes) but unconditionally and without any reservation. It is a truly inspiring thing to be loved like this. 

JES: What historical Christian heroine is most inspirational to you and why?

Mary Jane Q Cross: 

Fanny Crosby is the most emotionally present woman I can think of. The interior life made so transparent is full to the brim. I desire that kind of  focus in what God has given me to do. Blind from a young age and so vital!!! Her lasting poetry is a legacy that is multi-layered, heart filled with a single and clear focus. No blindness there. If I were on a desert island I would want a hymnal. So I could read all the poetry of music from the church age. I play flute. Learning the new songs I have never heard is going to be part of what eternity is all about. Fanny's poetry into songs  is very present in those pages.  I feel like I can hear her footsteps, and perhaps hear her quiet. 

But there is a second woman. Less known but with perhaps more spiritual impact. Mother Dabney 1925. She covenanted with God for some pretty big dreams for her husbands ministry. Her praying intensity is faithful. I know in many instances I am faithless. But she reminds me of the prize at the end of the race. She cheers me on.

JES: Do you have any encouragement for women suffering from illnesses?

Mary Jane Q Cross: 

While being still would be Heaven to me,  the lessons that this tremor has taught me are not to be minimized or wished away. It has been a tempering that is painful but rich in listening to His guidance through it. I cannot believe it has been 20 years!!! Hiding that fact from me has been one of Gods best gifts. Some things He will reveal in hinds sight. Other's,  he gives as a promise early on. Two questions this tremor has made me answer is. Is God Sovereign? and can I trust Him?  He is , and I can and do. It makes me know He was not asleep when this happened. It is glimpse of His knowing precisely what would bring me to His knees and keep me there. First in brokenness, then in restfulness.

His Banner Over Me is Love by Mary Jane Q Cross

His Banner Over Me Is Love

Canopy over my days is jeweled

Love given, received, replete, fueled

By strongest days astounding grace

Faithfulness abounds in this holy place.

In a moment, forever my existence is changed-

Life behind ever rearranged.

I speak the words of Faith declaring You.

Eternity is contracted, life’s document new,

Passing from one life into the next,

Knowing You hold my days at their best.

I fell You place Your hands over me-

Benediction, gentling beauty You see.

Wearing Your banner as a life-sworn cloak,

Into my soul Your Spirit provokes

A welcome promise I fully give

Allegiance to You as I newly live.

Living beneath this standard blue,

I pledge my life, faithful, true

Show me the days I did overlook.

Write them forever in Thy Holy Book.

Copyright 2008 ~ Mary Jane Q Cross

You may view her gallery of paintings here or
her book "Poems of a Painter, Paintings of a Prayer" here.

Finery ~ A Poem for Young Ladies

Vanity by Auguste Toulmouche

Finery

In an elegant frock, trimm'd with beautiful lace,

And hair nicely curl'd, hanging over her face,

Young Fanny went out to the house of a friend,

With a large little party the evening to spend.

"Ah! how they will all be delighted, I guess,

And stare with surprise at my handsome new dress!"

Thus said the vain girl, and her little heart beat,

Impatient the happy young party to meet.

But, alas! they were all too intent on their play

To observe the fine clothes of this lady so gay,

And thus all her trouble quite lost its design;­

For they saw she was proud, but forgot she was fine.

'Twas Lucy, though only in simple white clad,

(Nor trimmings, nor laces, nor jewels, she had,)

Whose cheerful good-nature delighted them more

Than Fanny and all the fine garments she wore.

'Tis better to have a sweet smile on one's face,

Than to wear a fine frock with an elegant lace,

For the good-natured girl is loved best in the main,

If her dress is but decent, though ever so plain.

~  by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) *

*Historical Note: Ms. Taylor is also the author of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star"

and the poem "Violet" featured here about modesty of character.

The Violet

Violets by Paul DeLongpre

The Violet

Down in a green and shady bed

A modest violet grew;

Its stalk was bent, it hung its head,

As if to hide from view.

And yet it was a lovely flower,

No colours bright and fair;

It might have graced a rosy bower,

Instead of hiding there.

Yet there it was content to bloom,

In modest tints arrayed;

And there diffused its sweet perfume,

Within the silent shade.

Then let me to the valley go,

This pretty flower to see;

That I may also learn to grow

In sweet humility.

~  by Jane Taylor (1783-1824) *

*Historical Note: Ms. Taylor is also the author of "Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star".

This post may be shared with some or all of the following link-ups: The Art of Home-Making Mondays, Modest Mom Monday's, Monday's Musings, Titus 2sdays, Titus 2 Tuesdays, Teach Me Tuesday, Raising Homemakers, Make Bake Create, Wise Woman Link Up, Christian Homemaking, So Much at Home, Homemaking Thursdays, Hearts for Home Thursdays, and Growing in Grace Thursdays. Thank you lovely ladies for hosting these.

Angel on My Shoulder

Angel on My Shoulder by Mary Jane Q Cross

The Dove Is Home With Us

by Mary Jane Q Cross

White Valiant soars, as souls await, relying on God to seal our fate

Ghostly morning, silent dawn, our Dove away in unearthly calm

Heart takes pause, hands be still, beat thy wings with Thunder thrill

Off and away, out of sight, may she find where we shall alight?

Never to leave or forsake, home again her grace we take

Wait again, rest and be loved, Seven days more for the flight of the Dove.

Copyright 2012  Mary Jane Q Cross

Women in the Ark Series:

Noah's Knowledgable Daughter-in-Law's

Remember Noah's Wife

Against Pride in Clothes

In Anticipation of an Invitation by Jennie Brownscombe

Against Pride in Clothes

Why should our garments, made to hide

Our parents' shame, provoke our pride? 

The art of dress did ne'er begin

Till Eve our mother learnt to sin.

When first she put the covering on,

Her robe of innocence was gone;

And yet her children vainly boast

In the sad marks of glory lost.

How proud we are! how fond to shew

Our clothes, and call them rich and new,

When the poor sheep and silkworms wore

That very clothing long before!

The tulip and the butterfly

Appear in gayer coats than I:

Let me be dress'd fine as I will,

Flies, worms, and flowers exceed me still.

Then will I set my heart to find

Inward adornings of the mind:

Knowledge and virtue, truth and grace,

These are the robes of richest dress.

No more shall worms with me compare,

This is the raiment angels wear:

The Son of God, when here below,

Put on this blest apparel too.

It never fades, it ne'er grows old,

Nor fears the rain, nor moth, nor mould:

It takes no spot, but still refines;

The more `tis worn, the more it shines.

In this on earth would I appear,

Then go to heaven, and wear it there:

God will approve it in his sight;

'Tis his own work, and his delight.

by ~ Isaac Watts

Other paintings we viewed by Jennie Brownscombe in addition to this page:

Autumn Foliage

Ready for the Oven

Girl with Guitar

Give Thanks

The Master is Come, and Calleth for Thee

"The Master is Come, and Calleth for Thee"

Who calleth?—Thy Father calleth,

Run, O Daughter, to wait on Him:

He Who chasteneth but for a season

Trims thy lamp that it burn not dim.

Who calleth?—Thy Master calleth,

Sit, Disciple, and learn of Him:

He Who teacheth wisdom of Angels

Makes thee wise as the Cherubim.

Who calleth?—Thy Monarch calleth,

Rise, O Subject, and follow Him:

He is stronger than Death or Devil,

Fear not thou if the foe be grim.

Who calleth?—Thy Lord God calleth. 

Fall, O Creature, adoring Him:

He is jealous, thy God Almighty,

Count not dear to thee life or limb.

Who calleth?—Thy Bridegroom calleth,

Soar, O Bride, with the Seraphim:

He Who loves thee as no man loveth,

Bids thee give up thy heart to Him.

By ~ Christina Rossetti

Would you like this poem for your Inspirational Scrapbook?


Related Postings:
Biography of Christina Rossetti

A Girl Writing

A Girl Writing by Henriette Browne

The above painting was done by Henriette Browne, a French woman who traveled to the orient and did many paintings depicting life there (though the above art is a French scene). She lived from 1829-1901. Can you think of others who lived during that time?

Doesn't this young lady in the picture look peaceful as she sits writing at her desk? Isn't that bird precious just perched there like a common companion? Younger girls probably have time in your life for this kind of quiet reflection and should embrace it. What do you think she is writing? I am going to imagine with you that she is copying down her favorite poetry…

Questions for the maidens:

• Did you know that the Book of Job, Psalms, Proverbs, Ecclesiastes, and Song of Songs are regarded as the "Poetry" books in the Bible?
• Do you have a favorite verse from any of the Scriptures mentioned above? Please share it in the comment box below.

Inspirational Scrapbooks for Mothers and Maidens:


Have you ever tried your hand at writing poems? Why not create an inspirational scrapbook. Using a notebook binder, composition book or journal, record your favorite poems, passages and special quotes in it. You might also like to decorate the pages with pretty pictures or clip art. It can be something special that you can pass down to your daughter one day! You may be surprised to find yourself penning in your own words on the pages for the more you read pretty poetry, the more your mind will think beautiful thoughts…

"Finally, brethren, whatsoever things are true, whatsoever things are honest, whatsoever things are just, whatsoever things are pure, whatsoever things are lovely, whatsoever things are of good report; if there be any virtue, and if there be any praise, think on these things."

 ~ Philippians 4:8

(Linked up to: Raising Homemakers)

Against Evil Company

Against Evil Company

Why should I join with those in Play,

In whom I've no delight,

Who curse and swear, but never pray,

Who call ill Names, and fight.

I hate to hear a wanton Song,

Their Words offend my Ears:

I should not dare defile my Tongue

With Language such as theirs.

Away from Fools I'll turn my Eyes,

Nor with the Scoffers go;

I would be walking with the Wise,

That wiser I may grow.

From one rude Boy that's us'd to mock

Ten learn the wicked Jest;

One sickly Sheep infects the Flock,

And poisons all the rest.

by ~ Isaac Watts