Mixed Media-Mother of Mercy

Mother of Mercy (detail)

This Mother of Mercy paid me a visit when I thought I was going to paint flowers!

 My love, you do not have to forgive those that exhibit hatred and intolerance, yet you can forgive the part of you that wants to be separate, superior and right. Nothing but fear lives beneath the desire to control and dominate.  Have mercy on that poor, frightened self. Have mercy on the unforgiving part of you.

Forgive the state of mind that is hard and cold and known by all men from time-to-time. Forgive yourself, my love, for all your fear and small, petty needs. Doesn’t God take care of all details?

Forgive yourself, my love. Have mercy on that hardened, cold mind. It is safe to be soft. The world will not disintegrate if you stop trying to hold it together. The world will not fall apart. It is safe, my love, to let go. God is the great safety net beneath your feet. You do not need to hold on so tightly and so hard. It is not necessary.

Whenever you are angry or disgusted with someone, you can be with your anger. Sit with it. Greet it before you project it upon another being. When you are angry and upset, you can acknowledge the part of you begging for mercy.

You are loved. You deserve mercy and kindness. When you forgive your own desire to control and judge others, you forgive it in all mankind. You can look upon intolerance and hatred with mercy. Then watch fear fly from your heart.

Mixed media on 14” x 11” gallery wrapped canvas; acrylic, pastel and India ink

©Claudia Rose, Ph.D.