It Takes a Community

What comes to mind when you hear the phrase  “It takes a community”? How about:

• to raise a child
• to build a successful business
• to eradicate hate
• to keep a city clean
• to feed the hungry
• to survive a record-breaking snowstorm

The list goes on…

I may be a bit of a loner who doesn’t have children of my own, but I’m very well aware of the benefits and need for a strong, supportive, inclusive, loving community.

Whether online or in person, being a part of such a community is a life-line.

I’m sure you can come up with many examples in your own life – either gratitude for being a part of such a blessing or feeling the need for one.

I have my Saskatchewan friend Malika Sellami to thank for the inspiration for this painting.

She’s not only a folk world bilingual musician, kirtan leader, educational music entertainer, French tutor, and passive income consultant, she’s a single homeschool mama.

A little over a month ago, she posted a video on her Facebook wall expressing her challenges as a single homeschooling mother and her disillusionment with a “tight-knit community” she had helped build.

My heart reached out to her as I witnessed her tears and her courage to speak her truth.

This loving  friend was being real – being authentic about her need to feel loved, supported and respected.

My heart reached out to her.

“Whisper” – 11″x 14″ – $497

A few days later, I was still feeling her post.

Something in it or in her reached me in a way that I couldn’t necessarily explain in words.

So I did it in paint.

First was born the painting “Whisper” (11” x 14” – $497), the mother & child half of a heart with the second half being the invisible yet ever-present Team of Divine Helpers (see post here).

Then came “It Takes a Community” (20” x 20” – photo at the top of the post – SOLD).

In this one, I completed the heart with another adult & 2 children.

Whether you see these groupings as nuclear, joint, blended, same-sex parented or extended families, community groups of single parents, foster families, interest groups, etc. – the painting represents love being the key to flourishing as a vibrant healthy happy human community.

So love to you, Malika and to all who are open to both giving and receiving more love, support & respect – no matter who, what, where or why you are…

My heart reaches out to you all! 

May we be blessed with loving communities – helping shape them and opening to their shaping us.

Creating these paintings in a state of prayer, energy-work, and appreciation was how I was moved to respond to Malika’s call.

Whenever, however, and to whomever you feel called to lovingly respond in your unique way, I wish you the intuition-into-action courage to follow through. 

The world needs you! Your communities need you.