On Mothers – For Mother’s Day

I am from my mother
from the swirling stars of the cosmos
through the long passage,
contacting and expanding
birthed of her body
nourished by her love.

I am mother.
You came to me
through blood and bones
to be suckled by me
and then slowly set free.

I am the Mama bear, ready to attack when you are threatened,
your pain harder to bear than my own.
I explode into a thousand stars when your star rises.
Your life always more precious than my own.

Mother Goddess your names are many – Isis, Rhea, Cybele, Danu……..
Your love flowers in our hearts.
Your strength gives us the courage
to birth, to grow, to die.

Night Turns To Day

As surely as night turns to day,
Suffering will turn to joy.

A Dark Night, gouache on paper, by Judith Shaw

A New Day, watercolor and ink on paper, by Judith Shaw

Seeking A Balance – Darkness and Light

“Deep in their roots, all flowers keep the light.” – Theodore Roethke

“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”  – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Golden Bee Light, oil on canvas, 16X 20″

I began my latest post on the Feminism and Religion Blog with these two quotes.

King’s quote expresses how out of balance we were and still are.  Roethke expresses the truth the our world, when at it’s best, maintains a balance of the light and the dark.

In this post I explore my journey through darkness brought on by the recent increase in and acceptance of bigotry and hate to an attitude which embraces the light that shines in the darkness even more fiercely than before.  You can read it here. 

 

Love of Humanity – Love Drives Out Hate – Post 26

“The Beauty and Love of Humanity” by Simon Fredrick, 2011

I found this painting online while searching for images about the love of humanity.  I think it’s pretty compelling.  Hope it lifts your spirits too.

Gardens Create Community as Love Drives Out Hate – Day 23

Creating a community garden is a great way to bring neighbors together.  Not only can you get to know folks you might not know, you also connect with Mother Earth.  And the extra bonus – great, fresh veggies!

Check out this post on how to start one in your neighborhood.

Love Drives Out Hate

Quiet Expression of Love – Love Drives Out Hate- Day 21

There are people with money who use their money to help others. Read this heartwarming story about Mike Ilitch. Little Caesars Pizza founder, and the many people he helped, including Rosa Parks, a giant of love, community and inclusion herself

Love Drives Out Hate

What is Love – Love Drives out Hate – Day 20

What is love but the feeling of oneness which allows us to put another’s needs and interests on par with our own – from the love between individuals to the love that encompasses the world.

Companions, oil on canvas on plywood, by Judith Shaw

Loves Drives Out Hate

oops – missed a couple of days due to allergies which knocked me out.