This picture was painted by a girl named Akiane Kramarik (pronounced AH-KEE-AHNA). When Akiane painted this picture she was 8 years old. What is even more incredible than her age is that she was born into a family where her Lithuanian mother was atheist. The concept of God was never discussed in their home. The family did not watch televison, and Akiane didn't attend any kind of preschool where she could gain outside education. Akiane started to tell her mother stories of heaven at a very young age, then at age 4 she began to draw-she had a life-changing spiritual transformation and brought the entire family to God. At age 6, she began painting.
This picture is also mentioned in the book, Heaven is For Real, by Todd Burpo. The book is about a little boy who dies. He returns to life to tell his father, who is a preacher, all about heaven, including what Jesus looks like. The father and son have a game that they played, where the father asks, "What's wrong with this picture of Jesus?". The son always has an answer, such as, "His hair is too long, or His eyes are not right." Until...this picture. The son sees this picture and says, "That's Him! That's what Jesus looks like!"
You can learn more about Akiane on her website: http://www.akiane.com/.
I hope you enjoy the picture as much as I do!
Jill
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| The Prince of Peace |
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| Akiane Age 8 |
