For the Love of Rudy

As I worked on this painting of my great-nephew of mixed race, I wondered what prejudices will he experience as he grows up. My heart hurts from the conflicting issues across our social media and in the news, with concerns for family, friends, police, front line workers, minorities and our politics. If we are in a position of power or leadership of any kind, we are in position to impose our beliefs on others, good or bad. We must be aware of our actions and our words and understand how they affect the world around us. It's difficult to know the answers to all these problems.

As a Christian, I turn to Jesus's words, ‘Love your neighbor as thyself.' According to Corinthians, someone walking in love does not seek to dishonor anyone and is not only after self-gain. Love is slow to anger and does not rejoice in anything evil. A person who works in love always looks for the truth and keeps no record of wrong.

For non- Christians, the Jewish old testament Leviticus also tells us  ‘You shall not avenge, nor bear any grudge against the children of your people, but you shall love your neighbor as yourself; I am the Lord'. And also the Buddhists have comparative precepts: Refrain from harming living beings, and refrain from wrong speech; such as lying, idle chatter, malicious gossip or harsh speech

For all who are hurting for whatever reason, I pray that love can heal our anger and hurt, that truth can overcome evil, and that we can work together to live with one another without hate. 

For now, I will find refuge in creating paintings that capture the spiritual essence of love and God's creation, and share that with others.