Holding on to Hope
I am holding on to hope right now. Even as I see things in my country continue to unravel—when military actions are being taken against our own cities—I have to hold on to hope. I have to believe that even if things get worse, they can and will be better again.
On my walk this morning.
This isn’t me trying to be logical or pretending to understand everything that’s happening. This is me praying and trusting and having faith that at some point, justice will prevail. That the people who have taken power unjustly will not hold it forever.
Some might call me crazy for thinking it’s really this bad. Others might call me naïve for believing things can get better without knowing how. And part of me wonders if I should even be sharing something like this here, where I also share and sell my artwork. (Really, want to buy a little hope to put on your wall?)
But this is who I am. I’m an artist and a human being trying to make sense of the world through the small things that still shine. Some days I feel a little crazy just going through my regular routines, but then I remind myself, what else can I do but keep going, keep creating, keep loving?
I am praying that my tiny granddaughter will grow up in a country where she has as much right over her body as any man does. I’m praying that she’ll be able to pursue any career she chooses, without fear of losing healthcare or housing. I’m praying she’ll be part of a generation that cherishes and restores the earth, undoing some of the damage left behind.
I am holding onto hope the best ways I know how: I am holding onto hope by walking in the sunshine among the trees near the creek with my dog. I am holding onto hope by showing students the magic of photography and the chemistry of the darkroom. I am holding onto hope by creating artworks that point to the beauty in the little bits of nature that are there if we only take the time to look for them.
Unfailing Love on a wall.
I’m also holding onto hope by gathering with others—friends, family, fellow artists—people who remind me that we’re still capable of kindness, creativity, and care. Hope grows stronger when it’s shared.
Maybe that’s what I’m really offering when I share my art: a small, tangible piece of hope to hang on your wall.
