Rumsfield, Artwork and Israel

As Donald Rumsfield's time in the Bush cabinet comes to a close there are a few things I'd like to share. As you read the entire post you'll see how Secretary Rumsfield fits into this story.

Robin Hanley is one of the most creative artists to whom I've had the honor of being introduced. Her photographic artwork combines the images of American and Israeli soldiers, along with an amazing backdrop of Old Testament figures.

For those of us who see the value of Israel and America standing "shoulder to shoulder", I would highly suggest that you visit Robin's website and purchase one of her prints. They'll ship it to you. Should you desire to have framed artwork sent to you, please call her sales manager, Tony Ball, in Boise, ID at 208-870-6400.

As I prepare to go to Israel in March, I'm suggesting a visit to Robin's website and a phone call to Tony would be in order for those interested in going with us. As we visit military sites (as well as Holy Sites, you will get a flavor for the depth of God's love for Israel.)

Don't worry about telling them I sent you. I have no business relationship with Robin or Tony...I just love her art.
Dennis

Here's an inspirational letter sent by Robin to General Andy Dichter...

Dear General Andy Dichter,

Thank you for giving my artwork titled WARRIORS to Donald Rumsfield It is a thrilling thing for me to see God's divine networking concerning his purposes. Thank you for being a vessel of delivery. I have since received a beautiful letter from Secretary

Rumsfeld and my portrait is hanging at the Pentagon.

I'd like to share with you how the portrait  came about.

My dear friends Trudy and Xavier Ries' son Sergeant Xavier C. Ries, 2nd Force Recon,

Unit 766771 was leaving for Iraq with his unit. He had formerly served in Iraq as a bodyguard but he was called to fight with his unit so he left with his men.  One young man in particular was very close to him, Cpl. Seamus M. Davey.  This time was especially hard for his parents.  I have known Xavier or X as he is called since he was a little boy playing soldier. I have always told his mom that God has given him a heart of a warrior.  She was trying to be brave when he left for Iraq and she told me that God had comforted her with 2 Samuel chapters 22 and 23, regarding David's Mighty men.  How God gave them valor and victories and His Sovereign protection. I prayed that the Lord might allow me to compose a portrait that would encompass this premise. I hoped to portray our modern day warrior using her son with King David and his mighty men of old. Each one with the heart of a Warrior.

The day that I gave the portrait to X's family was one of the most poignant moments in my life.  Soon I started receiving calls from Pastors and other soldier's moms wanting the picture for encouragement for themselves and friends.  A family who lost their 19 year old son Lance Cpl. Abraham Simpson in Fallujah last year, has given the portraits to soldiers that they bring into their home to pray with just before deployment.

A short while ago Xavier and Trudy received the news that X had been in a fire fight. X and Seamus and Derek were searching out suspected hideouts of insurgents.  When they opened a door several were hiding and opened fire.  Seamus was hit and went down, Derek was hit and then X was hit in the chest. The force of it knocked him back. He was able to drag Derek out of the way yelling for Seamus but there was no response. The fire fight continued for about 30 minutes until all insurgents were taken out.   Seamus was carried out. He had been killed instantly.

When X was examined by the medics the bullets were lodged in his vest.  They did not penetrate

General Andy as I prayed for inspiration for this Memorial portrait, the Lord reminded   of the story of Jonathan and David.  I remembered David's beautiful poem,

THE SONG OF THE BOW, a tribute to those Mighty Warriors of Israel, 

These three smaller pictures are for you General Andy.

The Lord bless you and keep you and make His face to shine upon you,

Kindest Regards,

Robin Hanley

Comments

[Sean Russell]

Wow! Amazing story. GOD is great!

Sean Russell

[Peggy Hummel]

I was one of Trudy's young girlfriends years ago, our families were quite close. as we grew we lost contact, some years back I tracted her down and was so please to see the direction her life went loving the Lord. I just happened across this web site and was thrilled to see her name. It sent shivers down my back seeing the portrait. God must be calling her to me for some reason. Beautiful picture, beautiful story. If you see or hear from her give her my best. Peggy Hummel