A Peace Offering…

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compassion, doves, giving, help, helping hands, love, peace, peaceful living, spiritual art, spirituality, symbols of peace, think love, white dove

The World we “appear” to live in. It is not peaceful, but it is not getting worse. It has always been a violent Earth. People have been killing each other since the beginning of humankind. The big difference is that with the advent of the Internet and cell phones, we are exposed to every horrific thing that happens around the globe. Every thing big or small. We are spared nothing horrific. 1 person beheaded….130 killed by a terrorist. A woman doused in acid. Gay men hung in public. We hear about it all in gruesome detail. 100 years ago, we only knew what happened in our own little village. It seemed more peaceful back then. But it wasn’t. There have been wars and rumors of wars from the beginning. The Crusades…The Holocaust….The Spanish Inquisition….And the list goes on. Many thousands killed regularly. Native Americans wiped out in the name of progress. African American Lynchings. LGBT killings. Our history is riddled with hate crimes and atrocities. And so it continues today. All I can do in my own little world is make a decision to be kinder. To be more tolerant. To be more compassionate. To not allow the news reports to scare me into a frozen emotional state. To live my life the way I desire for others to live theirs. In your daily rush, take a moment each day to pick someone to be extra kind to. Online or in person. Just be nice each day. When that becomes a habit, add more nice gestures. Change truly does begin with us…

Not Everyone Has Happy H.O.L.I.D.A.Y.S…

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angel, angels, blue abstract art, blue art, comfort, comforting art, compassion, god, healing, help, hope, prayer, spirituality

“Never Alone”

Painting Acrylic on Canvas

Sharon Cummings

2003

My “Never Alone” painting has always been one of my most popular pieces. It’s true that blue is a soothing color and many people like it, but I believe that it is the sentiment that draws people in.  As I sell a lot of this image around the Holidays, it makes me pause and say a prayer of gratitude for the life I now have.  I also ask for comfort to those who will not be having a “happy” Holiday season.

I know what it is like to have Christmas marred by pain and suffering.  When I was 10 years old, my father killed himself just a few short days before the magical event.  I can still see the carefully wrapped gifts under the tree as we gathered after the funeral.  I remember thinking that I didn’t want anything ever again for Christmas.  For many years the Holidays were just a painful reminder of what was missing and what would never be.  It wasn’t until I had my own child that the joy was brought back to the Season.  Her zeal and delight in all things festive is infectious.  It was her energy that helped heal me.

So for those that mourn loss or those that are hanging on to the sick, I wish that you feel that you are never alone…Whether you believe in God, angels or just the healing energy of others…

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On The Rocks…

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adorable, beach, bear, bears, break, children�s toy, collectible, collection, compassion, cute, furry, generosity, giving, gratitude, high tide, kid, kids, ocean, plush, rock, rocks, sea, soft, stuffed animal, Stuffed toy, sweet, teddie, teddie bear, teddy, Teddy bear, teddybear, tide, tides, toy, Toys, wave, waves, whimsical

http://fineartamerica.com/featured/on-the-rocks-teddy-bear-art-by-william-patrick-and-sharon-cummings-sharon-cummings.html

This time of year when I am busy working like one of Santa’s elves and hustling about trying to get my Holiday shopping done, it is easy to forget that so many people in our world, country, state, city and neighborhood will not be having a “merry” Christmas.  For many just getting to their next meal is a blessing.  However, every year the Universe sends me a reminder to be giving.  To show compassion and love.  There is always a homeless person I encounter each year whose eyes speak to me in a way I cannot adequately explain.  I almost feel as if it is God looking back at me saying, “I have given so much to you, will you give something back?”  I always give large bills even though they are asking only for spare change.  I also make a point to touch them by gently squeezing their hands and making eye contact.  I speak to them.  There is something so humbling in seeing their eyes light up and the sheer gratitude they exude. Some say….”oh they will just go and buy booze with that money.”  That may be true, but one thing I am very certain about is that God did not place me on this earth to judge others and to determine my generosity based on what the recipient might or might not do with my compassion.  I am simply called to be so…..