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This past  week I completed two paintings--Imperial Moth and Reflections.  While the second painting is of one of my favorite birds, the Sandpiper, I entitled it "Reflections."  

This Monday I find my self reflecting over the events of the past weekend in Charlottesville with a surreal feeling somewhere between disbelief, disgust, and profound sadness.  I believe we should all give thought to who we are and how our reflection appears.  Do we like image we see?  Does the image truly reflect the person inside? Is the reflection an accurate portrayal of our true self?

I reflect on more simple times.  A period of time where we weren't that different than our neighbors regardless of race, religious affiliations, or other preferences we might have. A person was simply judged by the goodness of their heart, their integrity, and their love for others. WE actually enjoyed our differences.  Politics were part of democracy, but didn't divide us, define us, or inflame emotions. We were tolerant of one another and tried to understand a persons views rather than condemn them.  An opposing view was just that an opposing view--not a confirmation of ignorance, immorality, or a dividing barrier. If we didn't agree, we sought compromise. We spoke kind words, greeted strangers with a smile, and genuinely cared for others. 

Clearly those days are lost.  Whether protester or counter protester...whether chosen weapons are guns, concrete filled soda cans, or hate-filled words...is there hope?  What does "hope" look like? This week I'm going to focus on hope and try to paint a picture that captures even a glimmer.

I encourage everyone--please step above all political ideologies...fly to the "light" like the beautiful Imperial Moth.  We must replace the negative energy that surrounds us with positive through acts of love, kindness, tolerance, and respect. Arrogance and self-righteousness must be replaced with humility and tolerance.  Above all--we must "love one another."  

"Blessed are the peacemakers, for the shall be called children of God."

Jesus Christ

"It is during our darkest moments that we must focus to see the light."

Buddha

         "The more we come out and do good to others, the more our hearts will be purified and God will be in them."

Swami Vivekanda, Hindu