Our Lady of Hope Icon   

Give to a friend who needs hope!

Mary's hands are open to receive the Christ Child. Contemplate Jesus, the Hope she offers to the world. 

Dimensions: 7.5" tall, 10" wide, 0.5" thick

These icon prints are made with superior quality ultrachrome pigment ink, colorfast for up to 75 years, and are mounted for hanging or standing.

Artist Deborah Anderson of Edensings has been writing icons since 1998 and lives in Seattle, WA.  

An Interview with Artist Deborah Anderson

What prompted you to create this particular icon?

An icon instructor of mine shared the vision that the icons we are meant to write are already in us, like little seeds waiting for the right time to grow. When I first saw a prototype of Mary with her hands held up and the Christ Child radiating from her center, I was drawn to it, perhaps intrigued is more accurate. In the fullness of God’s timing, the seed of this image took root in me, and I began to cultivate it.

How long did it take you to complete this icon?

Iconography is prayer, outside of time. This was a work in progress, on and off for almost 2 years. There was some struggle with the expression I had painted on her face. It was a bit stiff and resistant. I realized I needed to work on my own attitude of surrender and trust to be able to paint her face with the peace I personally longed for. When so much was changed or canceled because of the Covid chaos, I understood how this icon had been created for such a time as this. It has been an inspiring companion through this unstable time.

What does the small scroll in the Child's hand signify?

Many images of Jesus in icons will have him holding a scroll. It represents the Word. He is the Word that we cannot fully understand, the scroll is rolled up, waiting to be revealed. Prophets often hold an open scroll with their message. The Apostle Paul sometimes has scrolls or books to represent all of his writings but Jesus either holds an unopened scroll or a gospel book open or closed.

What do the letters on the icon mean?

“MP OY” is the short form of Mother of God in Greek. “IC XC” is the abbreviated form of Jesus Christ in Greek. The letters “W O N” on the halo mean the “I AM” or “Breath of God.” 

What is the message that this icon has for you?

There is so much I have been learning from this image. Mary is very present, calm and beautiful although humble, not wanting the attention for herself, encouraging us to focus on her perfect child Jesus. She gave up plans for her life, let go and let God work in her and through her. Jesus surrendered his life to bring us new and eternal life.

What is your prayer for those who gaze on this icon?

I pray that the peaceful trusting surrender of Mary in this image will give Hope. Hope not as the world gives, but rather, a Hope that helps us choose to Glorify God instead of self. As Mother Teresa said so perfectly, “We can do no great things, only small things with Great Love”. See what a Great Love Mary delivers into the world. Let us humbly follow her example, in any little way, to bring the Great Hope of Jesus to others. And to God be the Glory. Amen

Hope and Trust Rosary - Audio Recitation

CD available here

Digital Download available here 

OUR LADY OF HOPE ICON / HOPE & TRUST ROSARY CD COMBO