There are some paintings that begin with a plan.
And then there are paintings like this one…
the kind that quietly reveal their meaning while they are being created.
“Leap of Faith” started as a simple image in my mind — a little girl running barefoot through a field, full of freedom, joy, and lightness. I was focused on movement, texture, atmosphere, and emotion. I wanted the piece to feel nostalgic and alive, like one of those fleeting childhood memories we carry with us forever.
But as the painting developed, something deeper began unfolding.
The little girl slowly started reminding me of someone I know in real life.
Her name is Lori.
And whether she fully realizes it or not, she changed my life.
When I was younger, Lori and her family welcomed me into their home and showed me something I had never fully experienced before — what faith truly looked like when it was lived out daily with love, kindness, generosity, patience, and sincerity.
Not just words.
Not just religion.
Not just saying you believe.
But truly living it.
She opened her home to neighborhood kids like me. She cared. She listened. She encouraged. She planted seeds of faith, hope, and love that are still growing in my life all these years later.
And without even realizing it while I painted, this little girl became symbolic of her.
Of her own leap of faith.
Of someone willing to shine light into the lives of others simply by opening her heart and walking faithfully through life.
At the same time, this painting unexpectedly became deeply personal to me too.
Because while creating it, I realized I was standing in my own season of taking a leap of faith.
For years, I shared my artwork mostly through the lens of aesthetics and beauty. But deep down, I always knew these paintings carried something more meaningful underneath them — stories of hope, healing, fleeting moments, faith, memory, and connection.
Sharing those deeper meanings publicly felt vulnerable.
But this painting reminded me that light is meant to be shared.
That maybe the moments we think are small are actually the moments that impact people most deeply.
The gentle encouragement.
The welcoming home.
The quiet example.
The willingness to love others openly.
Those are the things that stay with us forever.
That is what “Leap of Faith” represents to me.
Not perfection.
Not having everything figured out.
Just the courage to keep stepping forward in faith and allowing your light to reach others along the way.
“You are light for the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden… let your light shine before people.”
— Matthew 5:14–16
This painting is part of my “Love and Light” series, a body of work inspired by fleeting moments, childhood wonder, faith, connection, and the beauty of being fully present.
Though the original piece has sold, I believe the story behind it continues living on through every person who connects with it.
And honestly… I hope it encourages someone else to take their own leap of faith too.
✨ If this story or painting resonates with you and you’re interested in commissioning a meaningful original artwork inspired by faith, childhood memories, hope, or personal storytelling:
[Contact Allison Victoria to Begin a Custom Commission Inspired by Your Story →]
