In seeking images as a visual to Joan Chittister's use of Jacob's struggle with God, I came across this 
Figurative Sculpture Project by Mardie Rees who "brings the classical figure into today’s context with her emphasis on emotional dialogue. The relationships between her subjects and their circumstances bring a life to her work that is tangible to its viewers. It is capturing this essence of humanity that allows a work to breathe on its own."
Jacob’s Struggle depicts the process of faith, from self-reliance to surrender to God’s presence.
Jacob’s struggle is a contemporary version of the struggle
within. It is the story of allowing God’s grace to dispel the darkness inside one's own heart. Jacob went from calling on his father’s God, to calling God his own in one night’s wrestle with an angel. After being visited, Jacob limped away with a new name, Israel, which means, “he who struggled with God and has overcome”; yet, I doubt Jacob ever once grappled with God again. Jacob’s right hand is still clenched in a fist, refusing complete surrender.
Figurative Sculpture Project by Mardie Rees who "brings the classical figure into today’s context with her emphasis on emotional dialogue. The relationships between her subjects and their circumstances bring a life to her work that is tangible to its viewers. It is capturing this essence of humanity that allows a work to breathe on its own." "True great works elicit a response from the heart, not from the head." -Mardie Rees
Jacob’s Struggle depicts the process of faith, from self-reliance to surrender to God’s presence.
Jacob’s struggle is a contemporary version of the struggle
within. It is the story of allowing God’s grace to dispel the darkness inside one's own heart. Jacob went from calling on his father’s God, to calling God his own in one night’s wrestle with an angel. After being visited, Jacob limped away with a new name, Israel, which means, “he who struggled with God and has overcome”; yet, I doubt Jacob ever once grappled with God again. Jacob’s right hand is still clenched in a fist, refusing complete surrender.
Jacobs legs tucked under press against his ribcage emphasizing his back.
Jacob reaches back in a motion towards hope. The Hebrew phrase inscribed translates to: "With-a-Man Wrestled "
Words are often adequate when gathered and ordered by one who knows the craft. Paintings capture or illustrate, but good sculpture captivates and causes a connection, a reaction.
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