The prophet Isaiah gave hope and comfort to all who have stumbled and made mistakes when he revealed these words from the Lord: “…Though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool.” (Isaiah 1:18)

With a broken heart and a contrite spirit, we can receive forgiveness and learn from our mistakes. Part of what we may learn in the process is that happiness comes not only from receiving forgiveness, but also from extending it!

Even though this piece was originally inspired by Isaiah 1:18, “though your sins be as scarlet…” it has come to represent even a broader meaning for me. All of us carry burdens which are represented in this painting by the scarlet attire of the woman. Sometimes those burdens stem from mistakes we have made, the painful consequences of poor decisions. At other times the burdens may take the form of depression, sickness, loss or sorrow. We may feel hopeless because of financial worries and misfortune. Some of us may have experienced abuse and fear. Others deal with hurt and anger. Whatever the cause of our tears there is one waiting to wipe away our tears and make us whole.

—by Greg Olsen