CLOSE-UPS

Hello Friends!

Over this past weekend I wrote this poem as I was thinking about all of the people I know who identify as LBGTQ, or Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, Transgender and Queer. I have talked to several people in the last few years who have had or still have valid fears about coming out to their friends and family. Many go through dark periods of depression, identity crisis, and rejection from loved ones. And I just find this sad.

I have always felt sad for people that the so-called “normal” society sees as “different.” I grew up in Georgia in the 1960’s, and although I was born in 1960, I saw enough racism in those few years to leave the impression on me of how wrong it is to judge a person just because of the color of their skin!

But throughout my life I have seen too many other injustices. I could go on and on and this post could turn into a book! My mom always taught me that people with different beliefs, physical or mental struggles, or different lifestyles is THEIR business, not mine. They are the way they are whether or not by choice. However, in spite of this, I chose to go through many years of my life picking and choosing who to accept or “shun.” I admit this to my shame!

This is just not right. And I don’t hate people who may disagree with me. But I do hate the way some choose to treat others simply because they see others as “abnormal” or not living up to THEIR standards! For me, this is simply unacceptable. In the past, I was one of those who didn’t listen to others who live and believe differently than I do. I acted like I “tolerated” them when what I really did was avoid getting to know them! I don’t believe this is right!

Lately, I have been desiring to use my art to speak out to these issues, but I haven’t come up with how I want to do it yet. In the meantime, I am still working on this journal, and still stand in admiration for the person that Vincent van Gogh was. He loved people. He drew and painted those in his society whom others looked down on or ignored. He was treated like an outcast himself because of his mental struggles. He was ridiculed and rejected. Artists who were selling their work made him feel like his paintings weren’t good enough to sell. And although his brother, Theo, helped him as much as he could, even he couldn’t convince art curators to accept Vincent’s work. And yet, now each piece is WORTH millions! What has changed? Nothing, really. Yet, back then no one could see that Vincent’s work was brilliant and lovely, and that IT WAS HE WHO WAS INVALUABLE! 

I don’t need others to agree with my thoughts about any of this! I just want to say that have decided that I am not going to be the type of artist who only creates what society says is ACCEPTABLE or HAS TO SELL TO BE WORTH SOMETHING. I am worthy! I love and accept myself. I give what is inside of me freely, because that is what I have always desired to do. Would I love to make money from my art? Sure! But if I don’t, I am okay with that, because…I love what I do. And if I love what I do, that is all that matters. And I appreciate others who love what I do. That is a bonus!

If you are a creative person in any way, I hope that you see your own value and how you can enrich others with your creativity and how you can help others see their own value.

Have a wonderful day! :-)