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Listen With Our Hearts: An Article and Some Artwork

Listen With Our Hearts
18" x 18" mixed media
acrylic and painted papers

 Perhaps one of the hardest things to understand as an adult is how complex some issues can be. Human beings are complex creatures. We can both love and dislike someone simultaneously. We can break laws in the name of moral justice knowing full well that we are doing something illegal. And we can want to help someone whose values, reality or lifestyle may differ from our own beliefs. It's very complicated to be human. Things are not neat and tidy, very seldom are they black and white, and they almost never are static. Issues can be open for discussion and outcomes can often change long standing beliefs. As I said, it's hard.

So, it was with a happy heart that I read a recent article last week written by Billy Critchley-Menor, SJ and published in the Jesuit Post. The article highlights the efforts of an Argentinian nun to minister to the trans gendered community members in her area. It was good to read something both positive and uplifting despite the controversy of the subject matter. And make no mistake, the controversy around the Catholic Church and gender issues is very strong. But, the Sister's message was simple and clear: love people without judgement and with a pure heart. A difficult achievement for most humans but one that is worthy in striving for.

The above piece of artwork, made by me in response to that article, is simplistic in showing some standard symbols of love. I have included other elements that represent things I think but I am interested to know what other associations people might make. As I made the piece, I thought about tolerance, acceptance, and understanding. Understanding, I think, is where many people get caught up. Understanding asks us to put ourselves in the other person's shoes. It requires empathy. It's complicated, as they say. And while the above subject matter is intense and multi-faceted, (I mean to say that it can't be reduced to simple symbols), I very much wanted a simple piece of artwork, showing positive colors and elements. I thought that would most accurately reflect how I felt about the Sister's overall message to put love first. A good message for all of us.

Libby


PS: As with any issue, there are multiple viewpoints. This issue is no exception. I learned a new term today called "ideological colonization." I had to look this up. The article I read about it is here.

Comments

  1. UnknownAugust 8, 2018 at 4:46 AM

    Libby, thank you for creating this response piece to the wonderful article you shared. It is a beacon in this world that can be so dark. I have read the article about Sister Monica and feel inspired by her conscious work of helping without judgement.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Libby FifeSeptember 13, 2018 at 3:37 PM

      Carol,

      This is the first time I am seeing your comment so thank you. I need to fix the notification from Blogger, obviously.

      Thank you for taking the time to read the article. I just felt that efforts like Sister Monica's are so important. every bit helps I think. Particularly when religious organizations appear to not be keeping up, it's important to highlight positive action.

      Thank you for your visit and comments. Libby

      Delete

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