from anger to prayer

Earlier this year (2015) a documentary called “India’s Daughters” was released. It was based on the horrific rape incident in New Delhi, India in December 2012.The documentary included interviews with the perpetrators and the defense lawyers. The news of the rape and its horrific details not only sent shivers down my spine, it brought out the deep anger I had over the men who molest, abuse and flash on the roads and in public transportation (Many of my friends have since expressed similar feelings). The perpetrators and the defense lawyers claimed that the woman invited this crime to be committed on her simply by virtue of the way she was dressed and the time of day she was out. I strongly disagree with the defense lawyers and the rapists claims. Such incidents are never bound by the time of day, the clothes the women wore or the place. The anger simply grew.

This is Art therapy if you will. I started this doodle as I was burning with anger at the different horrific ways women are violated throughout the world. But as I drew I realized I only had anger. I couldn’t go on.  So I began sharing my anger with my best friend – Jesus and this is what I offered at the altar before my God. I know He feels my pain and anger. So what is He doing about it you ask. He has placed you and me and given us a choice. Let’s choose to love, choose to respect one another as individuals created by One amazing God.
( Jesus replied, “You must love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your being, and with all your mind.   This is the first and greatest commandment.  And the second is like it: You must love your neighbor as you love yourself. All the Law and the Prophets depend on these two commands.” Matthew 22:39 -40 CEB,Bible)

This doodle is a prayer. There are figures of women in different attire and the hands of a clock. The lotus flower in Hinduism symbolises fertility, faultless beauty and is considered a symbol of life. And here the lotus leaves also represent women. Embedded in this prayer doodle are different clothes women wear.  This is my offering, my prayer and my plea for respect for all women all over the world.