Botanical Promises: Learn More About this Illustrated Series
This collection of botanical illustrations was originally drawn as part of a collaboration with Claire Mariah in her series, 10 Bible Promises for Mamas. In this series, Christian writer and lifestyle blogger, Claire Mariah, highlighted ten biblical promises for women to hold onto as they journey through motherhood.
In their infancy, each illustration you see above was hand-drawn in ink. After being digitized, vectorized, colorized, and a whole bunch of other fun words that end with “-ize”, my desire was to bring these illustrations and the promises they represent to life in a giftable way. And so, the Botanical Promises card series came to be. I hope you’ll find that the artwork and writing bless your loved ones as they are drawn in to reflect on the goodness of God.
Let’s take a closer look at each floral featured in the set. I will include the key scripture Claire Mariah included in her writing, along with a word about the illustration, and a link to it’s original corresponding writing.
Sunflower | Guidance
The steps of a man are established by the Lord, when he delights in his way;
though he may fall, he shall not be cast headlong, for the Lord upholds his hand. Psalm 37:23-24
Artwork Commentary:
Just as the sunflower turns its gaze always towards the sun, may we turn our gaze upon our source of love and light: Christ himself. As this flower's sunburst center reflects its lifesource, may we reflect God's lovingkindness in all we do and are, seeking His guidance each step of the way.
For more on the biblical promise of guidance, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Wildflowers | Presence
Be strong and courageous. Do not fear or be in dread of them, for it is the Lord your God who goes with you. He will not leave you or forsake you. Deuteronomy 31:6
Artwork Commentary: Wildflowers are generously available, ready to bless and refresh us (if only we might take the time to notice them). In a similar way, God displays his glory for a beauty-starved world--surrounding us with his presence--beckoning all to soak in who he is and truly live. May the abundant nature of these flowers remind you of God's lavish grace.
For more on the biblical promise of presence, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Daisy | Joy
You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forever more. Psalm 16:11
Artwork Commentary: Adorned with sunny centers, the joyful ambience of the daisy is virtually unmatched. As children of God, our joy also bursts forth from our center. As the Spirit fills our inner being, by faith, the produced fruit is joy. May this daisy print, in its asymmetry, remind your heart that perfection isn't a prerequisite to joy. Our joy comes from faith in the only perfect in one: Jesus.
For more on the biblical promise of joy, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Lavender | Rest
Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. Matthew 11:28-30
Artwork Commentary: Lavender, known for its soothing scent and calming appearance, is a first thought for anyone seeking herbal remedies for restlessness. A reflection of Christ in creation, may it remind us of the refreshment and rest offered to us in the heart of Christ.
For more on the biblical promise of rest, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Tulip | Purpose
I give thanks to you, O Lord my God, with my whole heart, and I will glorify your name forever.
For great is your steadfast love toward me; you have delivered my soul from the depths of Sheol. Psalm 86:12-13
Artwork Commentary: Long after its purposes are set into place, the tulip offers its beauty to the world. These bulbous booms are planted far in advance, with intent. The gardener awaits the time they finally emerge to shine. May this bursting tulip remind us of the ways God has purposed us to shine--all the ways we know of and so many of the ways we have yet to discover.
For more on the biblical promise of purpose, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Rose | Strength
But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong. 2 Corinthians 12:9-11
Artwork Commentary: As Christians, we know that our strength comes from our weakness. Admitting our failings and turning to the Almighty, we find greater power than we could ever muster ourselves. So, there is no better flower to represent strength than the rose: the neediest of the entire garden bunch. This blooming beauty lives in total reliance of its caretaker, and the gardener's glory is on full display as the delicate rose flourishes.
For more on the biblical promise of strength, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Daffodil | Hope
Our soul waits for the Lord;
he is our help and our shield.
For our heart is glad in him,
because we trust in his holy name.
Let your steadfast love, O Lord, be upon us,
even as we hope in you. Psalm 33:20-22
Artwork Commentary: A heart open to the Lord's goodness results in hope-filed gladness. Just as the wide-open center of the daffodil dances with exultation, may our hearts be receptive to the goodness of God in all seasons, bounding with expectation.
For more on the biblical promise of hope, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
Peony | Deliverance
Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ, who gave himself for our sins to deliver us from the present evil age, according to the will of our God and Father, to whom be the glory forever and ever. Amen. Galatians 1:3-5
Artwork Commentary: The peony: intricately beautiful, simply graceful. At first glance, a rounded bloom--basic in structure and appealing to the eye. A closer investigation reveals layers upon layers of stunningly delicate beauty. Such is the nature of the gospel. Our deliverance from sin by the death of Christ is a winsome truth simple enough to win the heart of a child, yet complex enough to sustain a man's pondering for a lifetime. The layers of beauty run deep.
For more on the biblical promise of deliverance, read Claire Mariah’s writing here.
I hope you enjoyed these beautiful truths. To shop the series, click here.
Love to you!
