A few months ago, the Holy Spirit impressed my thoughts to create a piece of work that shows my relationship with God, my relationship with my Dad, and my relationship to my Samoan heritage. After months of sketches, brainstorming, and prayer, I got the idea clearly.

I would draw Jesus handing the observer an 'ula fala, the traditional Samoan necklace for matai. The idea is that Jesus, also known as The Great High Chief in Samoan circles, is handing you this sacred necklace. This necklace is not merely an ornament of beauty, but it signifies the blessing and the burden of the wearer to provide for and protect their family and their village. To be given the title of matai or chief is no small feat, but it is a responsibility that is carried with honor and grace. It is a title that shows that this person may be the leader, they have been chosen because they know how to best serve their community.

To make it more personal, my wife and I fashioned our collective artistic efforts from my Dad, Palemene. One of the responsibilities of a father is to emulate the Heavenly Father to their family. Pops and I have not always had a solid relationship, but I am honored that he is my father. This painting depicts my Earthly father, fashioned as my Heavenly Father, not to blaspheme God, but to reveal my closeness to God. My Dad, has given me authority to speak on his behalf as his son, and his caregiver. He trusts that I will care for my wife, our little family, and him. Jesus entrusts me with the sacred duty to uplift God through service to my fellow brothers and sisters. It is my responsibility not only to share the gospel of Jesus, but to live it.

Finally, this piece shares coloration that is symbolic. Across Jesus' white robe, is a blue mantle and the 'ula fala is traditionally red in color. White is the color of purity and righteousness, blue is the color of peace, and red signifies the blood shed for our sins. Parallel to this is what it means for the month of November. White is the color of awareness ribbon for Lung Cancer awareness - a horrible disease of which my Dad is currently fighting. Light blue is the color for Men's Mental Health awareness - bringing attention to the personal struggles of men that are often misunderstood and unseen. Red is the color of passion, a desire to be better and do better.

I titled this art "CHOSEN", not after the tv series, but inspired by duty of Jesus to show us who God is, and the duty of my father to show me who Jesus is. John 15:16-17 says,

"You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other."

It is my hope that this art depicts the love that Jesus has for us, entrusting us with all the resources of Heaven, to carry the burden and blessing of being a matai, a servant to your family and your village. It is also my hope that this honors my Dad, his fight, his love for his family, and the trust he has in me to care for him and others.