“The Leap” by artist Edward Povey…introduced to me by Maria and Eric Groten…

TEXANS ARE TOUGH…BUT IT’S GOTTEN TOUGHER TO BE A TEXAN…

My favorite hat, courtesy of Texas Hatters, accessorized with my Ft. Stockton roadrunner…

This is a tough time to be a Texan, but we can’t give up without a better struggle. Our current election environment is a potent reminder of our challenges, opportunities and responsibilities. Daunting, but not insurmountable…for Texans.

Our challenges would be considerable even with responsible governance. Which we don’t have. Texas Republican leadership has presided over a poor covid response, declining public education, inadequate healthcare access (refusing Medicaid funds), immigration chaos, fewer viable economic opportunities, too many guns, infrastructure needs, social justice inequity, etc., etc. Efforts that discriminate against women and minorities…Not Texas worthy.

Texas has become a national laughingstock due to the extremist incompetence and out of touch policies of our Republican “leadership.” Those of us who care must raise our civic engagement games and encourage others to join us. Thankfully, help is already on the way in various forms. Aspiring candidates, corporate leaders, dynamic non-profits, progressive civic involvement program models, and motivated individuals are rising to their many occasions. That’s encouraging! But many more of us are needed to LEAP to the aid of our Country, communities, neighbors and families.

MY PERSONAL LEAP

Before I married the curator, my dear friends Maria and Eric Groten invited me to meet artist Edward Povey, and see his latest work. I was in the midst of some personal turmoil, had no money for art, but went as a courtesy to my friends. I was already a believer in uncoincidental coincidences…and this encounter was most certainly one. Covey’s bronze “The Leap” leapt out to me, touched me soul-deep, and there was no doubt that I’d take him home. Povey recognized my financial plight, but also knew his piece would have an appreciative home. He gave me a generous payment plan, and enabled me to be inspired daily by this provocative image.

“The Leap” represents the “suit” taking off his shoes to affirm his need for freedom, and taking the leap. We can fill in our blanks for what he might have been thinking, and can with greater certainty, extrapolate the many reasons, past and present, that might prompt our own leap(s).

INSPIRATION/REFLECTIONS FOR OUR FRIEND IN THE MIRROR

“The Leap” is a constant source of inspiration for me. The following are thoughtful reflections which you may find helpful. The longer piece is from Marianne Williamson. We each have many opportunities to serve our communities. We are called to replace blame, cynicism, incivility and hate with compassion, caring, generosity, kindness and love. It starts with you and me…and often a leap of faith. LET’S LEAP…TOGETHER!