After reading Makoto Fujimura’s book called Culture Care, I have been more intentional about planning adventures for personal renewal and enjoyment. Last week’s trip led me to Chicago. When I stepped into the Impressionism Gallery at the Art Institute of Chicago, my soul found a resting place. Tears welled up from the immense beauty of…
“The same scarlet cord that tethers the children to their pimps can be used to suture their wounds,” said a young student when The Scarlet Cord was on exhibit during the Super Bowl in Phoenix. The student’s insightful words amazed me. Both visitors and supporters weave life and healing into The Scarlet Cord installation as…
The expression on her face revealed tremendous loss. Her wiry hair brushed my chin as her head dropped to my chest. While on the street near The Scarlet Cord installation, the woman embraced me for a long time. As a friend rubbed her back, grief surfaced. A deep lament bubbled up. After several minutes, these…
Her body screamed, “Don’t touch me.” Yet her words revealed her vulnerability. Deep hidden trauma. Visible. She was trying to hide her past. Or perhaps her present. But she unveiled her secrets to a group of us standing opposite her at The Scarlet Cord installation. One of the Women At Risk volunteers offered her a…
Here are the journal entries on my experiences at North Central Michigan College: October 27, 2014 The tears started to flow when the first class came through the installation. The Scarlet Cord continues to promote healing. A professor said, “A visceral experience: Entering the container was like entering their world.” October 28, 2014 When a…
It was an honor to host Makoto Fujimura in my garden for tea. As we talked around the wrought iron table, a yellow leaf fell. Mako picked up the leaf and artfully arranged it on the table near his tea cup. It was a beautiful image—watching Mako embrace beauty. I’m very grateful for Mako’s willingness…
A young woman quietly approached the volunteer tent at The Scarlet Cord installation. When our eyes met, she asked, “What inspired you to create The Scarlet Cord?” I recounted to her how at nineteen I traveled to Europe. One of the stops on our tour was the Red Light Windows of Amsterdam. This was my…