Original artwork by Patsy Paterno.
Sometimes I stumble upon real treasures while researching various topics to write on. As I was looking for information on the Vietnam war era I found “Patsy Pat”. What a treasure trove of beautiful artwork and timely devotions she has in her online gallery and store. Definitely stop in for a real paradise to soothe your senses.
I’ve included one of Patsy’s recent devotionals below along with a sampling of some of her work for your enjoyment. Her artwork is also the lead image in this article. Hope you enjoy.
August 27: Share Your Master’s Joy
Some would say that the Parable of the Talents, where a rich man gives his servants money before going on a trip, is about love. When the rich man comes back, he asks for an accounting of how they invested the money and the servants who increased the amount of money were lauded, “Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful in this small matter, take charge of ten cities!” God wants us to share His love and the gifts He has surrounded us with, and when we do, it has a multiplying effect.
One of the most poignant true stories about sacrificial love was born out of the horrors of the Vietnam war. Mortar rounds landed on an orphanage run by a missionary group in a small village and some orphans were killed, many were wounded.
An American Navy doctor and nurse arrived in response to a call for help. They found one young girl who was the most critically injured. She would die if she did not receive a blood transfusion. A quick test showed that several of the orphans were a match in blood type. Using pidgin Vietnamese, high school French and sign language, the doctor and nurse tried to explain that they needed a blood donor or the girl would die.
The orphans stared listening with wide-eyes and after a long time, one little hand came up slowly, dropped down, and went back up again. The little boy named Heng was quickly laid on a pallet, and a needle inserted in his vein. After some time, Heng sobbed and covered his face with a free hand. “Does it hurt?” Heng shook his head, but sobs kept escaping until he cried steadily. His eyes were screwed tightly shut and his fist was in his mouth in an effort to stifle his sobs.
When a Vietnamese nurse arrived, she talked to him, and Heng stopped crying and a look of relief spread over his face. The nurse explained to the Americans, “He did not understand you. He thought you were going to take all his blood so the little girl could live.” The Navy nurse asked, “Why did he volunteer?”
When the Vietnamese nurse asked Heng the question, he answered simply, “She’s my friend.”
“Greater love has no man than this, that he lay down his life for a friend.” (John 15:13) God has given us so much, the life of His beloved Son. Do we share what we have with others or are we too scared like the servant in the parable, that we keep the love hidden away? Let us not be afraid to love the way Jesus loved, so one day, we can share in His immeasurable joy!
Patsy Paterno is a Christian artist who expresses her faith through her beautiful artwork, essays and devotions. Take a few minutes to see the unique work she has on the web. According to her blog she does Acrylic on paper and Mixed Media on Canvas, perhaps other styles. Visit her gallery and daily devotional by going to PatsyPat.blogspot. Reach her to order paintings, or commision her to do a work for you at: patsy.paterno@gmail.com.
Michael Reed is Publisher of The Standard newspaper, print and online, and TheStandardSC YouTube channel where many video reports may be found. Please share freely and donate to The Standard on this page to assure the continued availability of news that is ignored too often by the dominant media.
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