Encouragement and Hope

Last week I took my grandson to cartooning lessons at the art gallery in the city. It was pouring rain so I stayed in the car in the parking garage and read for the two hours because the gallery was closed on that day. The rain caused my hair to frizz and go everywhere and I hadn't worn makeup. When I got out of the car the arthritis in my knees made movement slower than usual. As I walked into the entrance the security guard gave me a look like I was a homeless woman walking into a place only for the rich. His questioning frown made me explain I was here for my grandson who's in a class. He allowed me to enter, with slightly raised eyebrows. I'm not accustomed to that reaction. My first thought was that getting old is a bummer and I definitely need to wear makeup tomorrow and dress a little more classy. I thought of the feeling this encounter gave me and, though it wasn't serious like some of the violent acts this week due to racial profiling, I felt I was being profiled. It was a horrible feeling.

I can't even imagine how much more painful it must be to be thought of as a criminal because of the color of your skin or the blue uniform and badge that you wear. Our nation needs healing, understanding, justice, forgiveness, and hope that things are going to keep getting better. The pain we feel can help all of us strive to be better, to do better. We need a lot of prayer during these trials and faith that God can change hearts and lives.  This is my card of HOPE for a better tomorrow.

This card was inspired by the beautiful thoughts in this verse from Romans 12:12 and a lovely sketch I saw at Hand Stamped Sentiments.

May we all join our hearts praying and hoping for understanding and caring between nationalities, minority groups, nations, and individuals, all created in God's image. May we be patient during the process of change and trust God to finish the work in hearts and lives. May God bless you for joining me and reading this far.

I'm sharing this card with the following challenges:
Crafting with an Attitude #17 - anything goes
Crafty Girls Creations #22 - anything goes
Crafty Calendar July Challenge - dies and/or punches
Crazy 4 Challenges #344 - cards of encouragement
Inspiration Destination #93 - anything goes
Scrapy Land Challenge #45 - anything goes with die sold there (used Spellbinders)
Sweet Stampin' - Sentiment as focus
Word Art Wednesday #238-239 - anything family friendly

Stamps: digital scripture (printed long ago so I don't remember), CTMH retired : "Hope" Scandinavian Christmas stamp;  butterfly (Your Beautiful Self)
Papers: CTMH Goldrush cardstock, Paper Fundamentals: Adventure (current and retired glossy patterns)
Embellishment - Pink enamel gems
Tools: CTMH Watercolor Pencils, Cuttlebug embossing folder, Spellbinders leafy and lacy circles dies