This portrait depicts Ghada Saed Abu Samra holding a candle, symbolizing hope amidst hardship. The soft glow highlights her strength, while birds, olive leaves, and Palestinian flowers merge into her hijab, symbolizing resilience and unity. The portrait captures her before fleeing Gaza to Egypt in February 2024, after losing her home and loved ones. She remains committed to sharing her people's stories. Ghada describes the land as "yearning" for its people, emphasizing storytelling as a path to healing and cultural survival. The candle she holds represents hope in darkness, as she shares it to inspire others. Her personal mantra inscribed on her hand, "No one can take my heart away from me; only I can heal myself," reflects her belief in self-love and healing. Ghada's story is part of the www.healingwordsproject.com initiative, empowering women worldwide to share their healing journeys. You can watch about Ghada and her portrait here: https://youtu.be/kVZwuod6tEc?si=QBJPijm-AGzhXB