Pull the Plug or Continue

These are dark and troubling times for the human heart…we are a hurting nation and world. 

Before the horrid events of Wednesday I was formulating what was going to be my last blog post. Why? With the creation of Zoom, Facebook Live and other platforms people now have other ways to learn and be inspired. I wasn’t sure if you needed what I was sharing anymore and thought my blog had run its course. Since most people receive my posts via email I’m not getting the same kind of feedback on my blog in comments section. When an anonymous person (troll) wrote a personal attack in the comments. I thought, that's enough. 

Wednesday morning I was painting on location when the alert came over my phone… attack on the Capitol. I absolutely lost it. I started crying and I couldn’t stop. After an hour I still couldn’t regain my composure. I couldn’t paint so I packed up and went home. Everything built up inside came flowing out in tears that wouldn’t stop. After a day I ended up posting something on Facebook in an attempt to find hope. I said, “Hope deferred makes a heart sick…I don't have any answers I just know 2020 was a disaster and 2021 is off to a lousy start. Looking for hope in a sick world and society”.  I’m not alone in how I feel nor am I comfortable showing my vulnerable side to the world (trolls attack the weak underbelly). The pandemic has amplified the feeling of being alone. I struggled to reach out to say I hurt and need help to see a brighter day will come. More than ever we need each other. On that dark day Facebook became my lifeline with words of comfort, encouragement and a pep talk. We each have a gift. Some are: comforters, cheerleaders, listeners, prayer partner, a bakers, a writers…? We can’t be all things to all people but we can be something. 

So many people came through for me on that day and I’m extremely grateful. I’d like to highlight one comment in particular (though all touched my heart). 

Here’s what he wrote: 

“Never, ever let this happen. To allow the acts of some to influence your ability to want to make art. Art is the beauty of the world and it (the beauty) still exists. You suck it up cupcake and get back to work and post more. I did both yesterday and today. There are people out here in this electronic land that we are conversing on right now that depend on you and I to help them deal with stupidity. You have been given a gift by the good Lord. Use it for what it was intended. I love ya buddy. Go to work, now”. ~Tom 

I took Tom’s advice and got back to work. I finished the painting began that dreadful Wednesday morning…

I’ve also come to the understanding that my lessons (art and life lessons) on my blog does matter. I can’t be all things to all people but I can do this. 

Be well and creative, 

Brenda