Billy’s Gate (Leighton Ford)

Several years ago Jeanie and I went to visit her brother Billy in his mountain home above Montreat, North Carolina. At that time he was still able to converse. While Jeanie and he had a brother-sister  talk I went outside for a stroll around the house.

I was struck by this old wooden gate standing open in a stone fence, looking out to the far mountains.

It was a powerful symbol.  I thought of Jesus saying he is the gate for his sheep.  That Billy had directed so many through the narrow gate that leads to life. That Ruth had already gone through the gate to the far heavenly hills beyond.

I took some photos, and later painted this original watercolor.

Billy himself has now entered through Jesus the gate, and is with his Lord and his beloved Ruth.

That old wooden gate has since been removed. But the gate to God is still open. And Jesus still says, “I am the gate. If anyone enters by Me, he will be saved, and will go in and out and find pasture.” (John 10:9)

Leighton Ford,

March 2018

Watercolor.  14” x 20”. 2014.

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