The stories visitors carry out of Belóved Gallery are some of the most moving parts of what we do. In our latest #iam_beloved story of faith, Camille Walker returns for a second time and finds that Akiane Kramarik’s paintings seem to meet her right where she is. Standing before Prince of Peace, she describes a quiet, deeply personal moment — the sense of being seen. Watch her story below, then read it in her own words.
“A sense of peace came over me, realizing that Jesus saw me looking at Him, and then He was looking at me. That’s what touched me.”
— Camille Walker
Camille’s visit wove together two of Akiane Kramarik’s works. Father Forgive Them spoke to her about striving to live more like Christ, while Prince of Peace brought a wave of peace and the feeling of being truly seen. Like many guests, she found that each encounter with Akiane’s art opens a new door to reflection, connection, and inspiration. The #iam_beloved series shares these moments from the people who live them.
I’m Camille Walker, and I live in Round Rock, Texas. This is my second time. The first time, I was looking at the painting. This time, when I walked in, the paintings were looking for me.
The lady in red, the African-American lady — she’s so beautiful, but realizing the suffering. My father’s 87, and he talked about the difficulties of being a person of color in the military. Life has this way of throwing curve balls: things you don’t expect, things that are not fair, injustices, where you’ve been wounded or hurt.
But when I saw Father Forgive Them, that really struck me as the crux of constantly striving to be more like Him, but realizing He lives in you and that He will help you to do that.
The painting Prince of Peace — that message of peace just came over me, realizing that Jesus sees us. Like He saw me looking at Him, and then Him looking at me. That’s what touched me. It was a more profound experience the second time, and it will probably continue to be that.
