"Be Not Afraid"-Thoughts From A Professional Sculptor

by Mark Hopkins

Mark is a professional sculptor who emphasizes the life and works in Jesus Christ. Recently, he had a conversation with his granddaughter who is serving a mission in Chile for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter- Day Saints. This conversation is a powerful snap shot of the work he does.

Hi Kayli,

I’m glad you're well and happy and engaged in the work! Thought I’d share a monument, “Be Not Afraid”, I’m working on for a client. He’s ordered 2 of them! He said he wants more Christian monuments.

Be safe and be with God,

Love,

PooBah

Thank you so much Poobah! I LOVE it! I actually am going to print this picture off so I can show it to the people down here in Chile. They love art and especially Christian art. I do too honestly. I am guessing that this sculpture is from the story when Peter is trying to walk to the Savior but falls into the water. That is honestly my favorite story in all of the scriptures, because I find that we all have moments in our lives when we are like Peter, scared and overwhelmed by the sea that surrounds us, but Christ is always there to save us and give us strength when we don't have enough. Thank you so much again for sending me this I really love it and it has brought me some of the hope I needed this week. I love you so much!

Love,

Kayli

Dear Kayli,

We are all in “process”. As I sculpt this piece I am reminded of that idea. The Sculptor of the universe is forming us into monuments, if we let Him. The challenge for us is not to struggle to make ourselves into masterpieces, but to surrender to Christ as the clay surrenders to the sculptor, who will then re-create us into more than we could ever do on our own. The clay can never form itself.

Keep the faith in Christ and know that He and I love you.

PooBah

49 But when they saw him walking upon the sea, they supposed it had been a spirit, and cried out:

50 For they all saw him, and were troubled. And immediately he talked with them, and saith unto them, Be of good cheer: it is I; be not afraid.

51 And he went up unto them into the ship; and the wind ceased: and they were sore amazed in themselves beyond measure, and wondered.

Mark 6:49-51 KJV

“Face your doubts. Master your fears. “Cast not away therefore your confidence.” Stay the course and see the beauty of life unfold for you.”

Elder Jeffrey R. Holland