Discover the Meaning of "A Sure Foundation": Stroud's Christian Artwork
At first glance, A Sure Foundation by Shelby Stroud feels different from other Christian artwork. It’s not just a portrait - it’s a testimony. Crafted from a collage of stones, wood, and other earth elements, this remarkable piece reflects Christ’s strength, steadfastness, and the peace He offers to those who stand upon His Rock.
Shelby Stroud’s creation invites us to pause and consider the foundation of our own faith. What does it mean to stand firmly with Christ through life’s storms?
The Story Behind A Sure Foundation
Shelby’s love for collecting beautiful, natural objects began in childhood. From arrowheads and fossils to feathers and petrified wood, her fascination grew into a personal aesthetic she describes as “natural history museum.” One memory stands out: at age nine, she insisted on bringing home a rock the size of a phone book because it was the exact shade of her skin.
As she looked over her collection years later, inspiration struck. “I knew a portrait of Jesus Christ had to be done out of rocks,” she explains. “He is the Rock of our Salvation, after all. Rocks are constant, strong, and reliable.”
This idea became deeply personal for Shelby. Reflecting on times of loss and trial - losing her father at 17, facing the death of a sisters-in-law, and later being diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma - she describes feeling a hand reaching down to pull her onto that Rock. From there, she could see an eternal perspective and find peace, even in pain.
“When I’ve felt despair, it’s been because I’ve climbed down off that Rock to sit in the soggy sand of worldly pursuits,” she shares. “But Christ is always there, waiting for me to return to that sure foundation where there is peace and an eternal view.”
Why A Sure Foundation Stands Out in Christian Artwork
This piece doesn’t just depict Christ - it embodies Him. Each element of the collage carries spiritual symbolism:
Stones remind us of stability and endurance, representing the Savior’s unchanging love.
Wood evokes the cross and the earthly life Christ shared with us.
Earth elements connect heaven and home, reminding us that sacredness can be found all around us.
As part of LDSArt’s curated collection, A Sure Foundation offers a unique expression of faith for Christian homes and spaces.
A Sure Foundation for Your Faith
Shelby Stroud’s A Sure Foundation is more than just a portrait - it’s a visual testimony of the Savior’s strength and love. It gently reminds us that no matter the storms we face, Christ is our Rock and our refuge.
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