Suzanne Stewart has been a part of Deeply Rooted from the beginning. She was part of the women’s small group Bible study that became the core team, and because of her creativity and skill, became one of the major players on our design team.

The theme for our last gathering in May was HOPE. When our team was brainstorming visual elements to incorporate, one idea was succulents. We all jumped on the idea and came up with a color scheme based on colors in nature. We wanted to have a striking image that would encompass hope and what better one than a succulent? Hanging on for year after parched year sending roots down deep seeking water.

How long have our own dry hearts held on through enduring drought? How many times have we been tempted to pull up our roots and look for water elsewhere, fearing the streams of living water were for everyone but us?

We are all that woman at the well looking for the world’s water when Jesus is telling us that water will not satisfy, “but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him will never be thirsty again. The water that I will give him will become in him a spring of water welling up to eternal life.”

Hold out for that water. Don’t pull up your roots yet. If you need a taste of living water, let us know. We will pray for you and walk alongside you.

“When she first started painting succulents Suzanne was surprised and amazed by the drama and beauty produced by such a hardy plant. ‘It’s a survivor. They don’t give up easily. I’ve found so much inspiration working on this project.’ ”

When the manager of Everybody’s Coffee saw Suzanne’s paintings he offered her a show in the coffee shop. You can come see them for yourself and get a little hope infusion. The title of her show? HOPE Anyways. 935 W. Wilson Ave., Uptown, Chicago.