A Powerful Symbol

Yesterday, we visited Sheena's Memorial Garden at West Park in Allentown (lovingly maintained by Greg Palmer). Soon, Sheena's colorful garden will be in full bloom, like it is in the picture shown.

Our First Lady Michelle Obama and some school children are planting a garden on the White House grounds. I see the idea of a garden as the perfect political symbol right now, and as a powerful symbol in our lives.

During difficult times, whether it be grieving the death of a child and fighting for justice, or facing down an economic crisis and a lingering war, there is hope that something new will grow-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. There is faith in what cannot be seen, faith that something will emerge and nourish many people. Faith in something that can be shared and sustained. Faith in the future.

The garden also symbolizes self-reliance, getting your hands dirty and working hard. The garden requires creativity. We have planted some seeds of justice, and we are confident they will bear fruit-- despite the efforts of those who would sabotage the growth, and the resultant good yield for the majority, to serve their own spiteful agendas. We will continue to do the hard work during these hard times.