Portrait of God’s Love – I was visiting a friend in the hospital many years ago and seeing her concern for others when she was bedridden was very impactful. I left the hospital with the idea of a “portrait of God’s love”. The idea of a 2 painters painting side by side with each affecting the other is compelling. Sometime later I wrote the song and performed it live in my church. This song has 3 versions with different melodies and at different times. This is the final version.
A painter’s life’s impressions,
A canvas to define,
So amazed to see the difference,
As you laid yours next to mine,
With strokes so soft, gentle and refined,
I could see a portrait of God’s love.
I observed your brilliant colors,
Your vision for detail,
And through the windows of your eyes,
I saw the masterpiece unveiled,
With a faint resemblance to our home above,
You shared with me a portrait of God’s love.
Chorus:
Create in me
A portrait of God’s love,
For I’m drawn to share it’s beauty,
As I’ve admired it on your stand,
That I could free,
A portrait of God’s love,
Locked deep within the caverns,
Of the precious gift that flows within my hand.
We approached each day our easel,
And painted side by side,
Soon the pigments splashed and covered,
The imperfections none could hide,
With a heart exposed to feel the Master’s touch,
And be a portrait of God’s love.
Bridge:
As time passes by the memories often fade,
But impressions on a canvas last forever.
A painter’s heart’s impressions,
With a lifetime to define,
So amazed to see the changes,
As you moved your stand from mine,
My canvas bore the warmness of your style,
And I could see a portrait of God’s love.
5/22/88
Herb Williams: Acoustic Guitars, Keyboards,drum programming, vocals
Tim Cole: Electric Guitars
Kevin Martin: Lead vocals