THE CREATION OF SWEET JUBILEE

"I was inspired by the radiant smile of a precious little girl named Wezi, who was photographed for the book I Am Because WE ARE. She was one of five children living in an orphanage in Mchinji, Malawi. As the youngest child in her family, Wezi was HIV positive, though she didn't know it. She only knew that her grandmother lovingly gave her a pill every day.

Despite being sick so often, she never complained. Instead, she smiled—a smile so genuine, so full of innocence, that it reached far beyond the photograph. Those sweet cheeks and joyful spirit continue to touch my heart every time I see her.

It's difficult to imagine a child carrying such a heavy burden, enduring pain that no child should ever have to face. Yet somehow, Wezi chose joy. Her life is a powerful reminder that joy is not the absence of hardship, but the courage to embrace hope in the midst of it. To me, she embodies the true meaning of the words, 'Count it all joy.'

I created this painting to honor Wezi's memory and celebrate the extraordinary resilience of her spirit. I named her Sweet Jubilee because, despite the hardships she faced, her sweetness and joy never left her. Her smile was a beautiful reminder that hope can shine even in life's darkest moments. "Jubilee" represents celebration, hope, and new beginnings. Through her painting, I chose to celebrate her beautiful spirit rather than the illness she carried. I hope Sweet Jubilee inspires others—and me—to choose joy, extend kindness, and find beauty in every season of life. My hope is that everyone who sees this piece will be inspired by her strength, and that I, too, will continue to draw courage, gratitude, and joy from the beautiful example she left behind."

— Yolanda Cooper, Artist