This collector mug features artwork from my original painting Pursuit of Happiness, along with the words spoken by Hagar in Scripture when she encountered God in the wilderness: “God sees me” and “El Roi,” meaning “The God who sees me.” The original painting Pursuit of Happiness has found its new home at Brewerytown Pilates in Philadelphia, where it now lives as part of the space through the owner’s support of local artists. Prints of this artwork are also available for those who would like the full piece in their own home.
Hagar’s story is found in the book of Genesis. She was an Egyptian woman who was cast out and left to survive in the desert with her son. In her lowest moment, God spoke to her, comforted her, and provided for her. She became the only person in Scripture to give God a name, calling Him El Roi, “The God who sees me.” Her life reminds us that even when people overlook us, God does not.
At times, all we need is a reminder close by. I created this piece to encourage you to trust that God is present, aware of every detail, and working in your life in ways that may not yet be visible.
Designed by Philadelphia artist Andromeda Cook.
Part of the Bible Stories in a Cup Collection.
• Ceramic
• 11 oz mug dimensions: 3.79″ (9.6 cm) in height, 3.25″ (8.3 cm) in diameter
• 15 oz mug dimensions: 4.69″ (11.9 cm) in height, 3.35″ (8.5 cm) in diameter
• Lead and BPA-free material
• Colored rim, inside, and handle
• Dishwasher and microwave safe
READ THE FULL STORY BELOW……
Story Behind the Mug
Hagar ~ Rejected by man but remembered by God 🙏🏾👑❤️💫∞
Before Hagar was ever a servant, she was an Egyptian woman. She was born in Africa, descended from Ham, one of Noah’s sons, through Mizraim, the father of the Egyptian people (Genesis 10:6). She lived during a time when Egypt was wealthy, powerful, & full of structure. She was likely brown skinned, with North African features, raised in a royal system where Pharaoh ruled like a god. She worked in Pharaoh’s palace not as a slave, but as a young servant girl under royal care, trained in domestic duties & serving as an attendant to noble women. Hagar’s name means “flight” or “stranger.”
She entered the biblical story because of a famine. In Genesis 12, Abraham & his wife Sarah left the land of Canaan & traveled to Egypt to escape the famine. This was common; Egypt had the Nile River, fertile land, & food storage. People from nearby regions often traveled to Egypt during hard times. Abraham & Sarah went there to survive, not to worship Pharaoh or gain wealth.
But Abraham was afraid. Sarah was beautiful, & he feared the Egyptians would kill him to take her, so he lied & said, “She is my sister”. Pharaoh believed him & took Sarah into his palace, preparing her to become one of his wives. Because of Sarah, Pharaoh treated Abraham generously, giving him cattle, donkeys, camels, silver, male & female servants. 1 of those female servants was Hagar.
But God sent plagues on Pharaoh’s household to expose the truth about Sarah, Pharaoh released her & told Abraham to keep the gifts that were initially given to end the matter; including Hagar. She had no say in it. She was handed over like property, her future altered by a decision she never made.
Now in Abraham camp, Hagar served Sarah. Years passed. Sarah was still barren. So in Genesis 16, Sarah said to Abraham, “The Lord has kept me from having children. Go, sleep with my servant; perhaps I can build a family through her.” Hagar had no say. She was forced to be a surrogate. She became pregnant. & once she did, everything changed. She looked at Sarah differently; maybe with pride, resentment, or independence. Sarah saw it & couldn’t take it. She abused Hagar emotionally & physically.
So Hagar ran away into the wilderness, pregnant & alone. There, something miraculous happened. The Angel of the Lord appeared to her, the first time in Scripture this happened to anyone. He called her by name & said, “Where have you come from, & where are you going?” He told her to return to Sarah & submit. But He also gave her a promise: “You are now with child & will have a son. You shall name him Ishmael, for the Lord has heard of your misery.” (Genesis 16:11)
The name Ishmael means “God hears.” The angel said her son would be wild & strong, a free man who lived outside the control of others. Overwhelmed, Hagar gave God a name, saying:
“You are El Roi,” which means “The God who sees me.”
“I have now seen the One who sees me.” (Genesis 16:13)
She is the only person in Scripture to give God a name. That place was named Beer lahai roi ~ “the well of the Living One who sees me.”
Hagar obeyed & returned. She gave birth to Ishmael, Abraham’s 1st son. But years later, when Sarah finally gave birth to Isaac, more tension came. At a feast celebrating Isaac, Sarah saw Ishmael playing & demanded that Abraham “get rid of that slave woman & her son”. Abraham was troubled, but God told him to listen to Sarah. So Hagar & Ishmael were sent away.
They wandered in the desert of Beersheba. When the water ran out, Hagar placed Ishmael under a bush & stepped away, sobbing, “I cannot watch the boy die.” But God heard the boy’s cry, & the Angel of God called out:
“Do not be afraid; God has heard the boy crying… I will make him into a great nation.” (Genesis 21:17)
God opened her eyes, & she saw a well. They survived. Hagar later found a wife for Ishmael. They had 12 sons, & together they built a strong, growing nation spreading across the desert in tribes, tents, & legacy, just as God had promised Hagar.
Bible Verse: “You are the God who sees me,” for she said, “I have now seen the One who sees me.” - Genesis 16:13 (NIV)
Affirmation “God is present in every detail of my life.”
