Hello! 
I’m Tracy McCrea (I’m on the left in the picture with my two sisters, Julie and Terry Ann). I love S3, and not just because it was founded by my sister, Terry Ann Kelly! I have been married for 37 years to my husband Michael and we have five grown children, a son-in-law, a daughter-in-law, and five grandchildren. Michael and I named our property in Vanderpool, Texas “Shamar,” after the Hebrew word which means “to watch, guard, preserve.” Our desire is to preserve the land, and more importantly, guard our hearts. I enjoy painting as a way to express and share God’s faithfulness, beauty, provision and deep love for His children. When I’m not busy painting, I help Michael grow trees and vegetables.
Last year, my sister Terry Ann asked me to create a painting for the 2023 S3 fundraiser. She told me the theme for the event was “Be the Light”. I was visiting with my son Campbell about the vision for this painting and he said, “Mom, you should paint a moon! The moon reflects the sun!” WOW. I knew this was from the Lord.
The moon, just like us, has no light of its own. We both were created to REFLECT light! The moon reflects the sun and we reflect THE SON. This is the only way we can “Be a Light” — a light to those living in darkness.
2 Corinthians 3:18a says, “and we all, with unveiled face, beholding as in a mirror the glory of the Lord, are being transformed into the same image.” (NKJV)
We reflect Him!
We will ONLY reflect the Son– and light paths for those who are lost, searching and desperate– if we truly know Him and He knows us! The more time we spend in His presence, the more we will reflect His likeness.
Go and “Be the Light”.
Tracy
Beautiful! What a blessing!
Such a beautiful painting! Such a beautiful truth!
Tracy
This painting is breathtaking and I love the message behind it. I didn’t know you were an artist.
I am Linda Williams Coffey from Red Bridge days.
I have been supporting Terry’s S3 the last several years and was so happy to see this blog with a picture of the 3 Thompson girls!! You all look the same!! So beautiful! ❤️
You and your family meant so much to our family growing up. It’s wonderful to see the on going legacy of Christ proclaimed in your life and your families.
Praise the Lord!
Love,
Linda
Hi Linda, Thank you for commenting on Tracy’s blog. Her gift is from the Lord” Her painting was auctioned at the S3 Gala in Sept. this year.
Linda, I love you just as much as the days at Red Bridge. Although we don’t have the same opportunity to see one another often as we did in our high school years, you are still cemented forever in my heart. Thank you for still supporting Students Standing Strong. Honestly, your donoations make such a difference. I would love to catch up the first of the year….can’t believe it will soon be 2025!
Terry it is so wonderful to get this message from you! I don’t have social media so it’s tough staying connected to friends from the past. I feel the same way about you and you will always be a very special sister in the Lord!! I would love to catch up next year sometime. I’m very proud of you and what you have done with S3. We have two prodigal sons and it makes my husband and I even more invested in getting young people today the discipleship they need so they are grounded in their faith and will not walk away. I still pray my boys will return someday. Have a wonderful Christ filled Christmas! Love Linda