Guest art by Lauren Walke, an illustrator living amongst the folklore and trees of Appalachia. She creates art based on ritual, stories, and the aspects that call (loudly) to her. More information on her and her work can be found at 9sirenscreative.com.

After Jeffrey R. Holland’s address at BYU that targeted LGBTQ+ individuals with metaphorical “musket fire,” I felt the need to depict a more accurate truth rather than a personal opinion. Jesus preached love. Not love that is conditional. Not love that comes with the judgment of the individual or their choices. Just love.

This image came to me clearly and felt very pressing. I immediately set aside time and began working on it. Unlike most of my work, this piece came out effortlessly, all the details and emotion falling into place. I knew it was because this message needed to be shared. The message that you, as you are, are enough. You are loved. You are worthy. You are good. That your Heavenly Mother and Father recognize and love you for your inherent and authentic self.

This post is part of a series, Contemplating Heavenly Mother. Find more from this series here.