“In a world where we find overwhelming poverty, disease, and political unrest, we may question whether art is a luxury. But we must remember that we need hope. God promises to exchange beauty for ashes and a garment of praise instead of despair. Art is a powerful tool for healing.” –Darlene Graves, Fruit of the Vine

Query: How are you working to create beauty out of ashes?

What I Hope Comes After

On a summer evening when all had gathered

And poured their love in the same direction

And together they wove a beauty of listening

While the players played

So joyfully that everyone danced

At the end of the evening

As the sun began to set

The last encore stretched out

And laid her hand on each one’s head

Everything stepped into

The hush of surrender

Where the silence breathes for you

And in that moment

There was no need for applause

Only yes and this amen

–Bethany Lee, The Breath Between