Balm is not love nor even understanding. Love is an act in which we choose to engage. Understanding is the obligation of being human. Balm is inclusion. Inclusion is the soothing peace from which we all benefit, one hand extended to another, all hands linked, around the world, around the world and back again.
Around the world into the future.
Just a thought 18
Painting detail, Hands of God and Adam from Creation of Adam by Michelangelo, Sistine Chapel
Sharon Lynne Bonin-Pratt began her writing career the way so many others have done: by first doing everything else. Winning entries in grade school art, story, and essay contests convinced her to become a writer, but the real world intruded in adulthood and demanded she pay bills, raise kids, be a contributing member of the community. Along that rutted path she worked in the commercial art field designing patterns for surfer shorts, bikinis, and Hawaiian style shirts, taught after-school art through a city recreation program, and structured an art curriculum for three private schools. Ten years ago the writing muse, struggling to breathe in letters to friends and art articles, found its way to the surface. In a two-week period Shari wrote 60 pages of her first historical novel, and didn’t stop for three years. By then a second book demanded paper – OK, computer space – and now the third is in final revision stage. Of course, final revision is two words with a long shadow and a little footprint. Some folk claim they will write when the floors get vacuumed, the family accounting completed, the new garden planted. Shari is proof that all those things can be successfully ignored but not the urge to write. Her fiction explores human relationships, revenge, rage, forgiveness, redemption, and all the labyrinthine quandaries that mess up otherwise perfect lives. She resides in Southern California with her husband who’s learned to vacuum but not to cook. And the garden needs help.
Sharon Bonin-Pratt's Ink Flare 
Comments on: "Balm" (12)
Sharon, like you I believe in hands linked around the world…
thanks for sharing these thoughts.
miriam
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I’m glad you’re in agreement, Miriam. Hope your day is wonderful. I’m catching up with blog posts from friends and will be to yours shortly.
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Interesting definition. I like the nuancing. Hugs to you Shari (or should I send balm?)
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You made me smile, Jacqui.
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Once a month in our church they make us all hold hands and sing a song together. I find it kind of awkward. Why is it so hard? Maybe my German genes kicking in?
Like the idea of holding hands though. 🙂
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I can see the rebel in you going, “Not gonna sing.” But maybe it’s just a different kind of hymn. I often mouth the words of songs at my temple because I enjoy listening to the congregation and can hear them better when I’m silent. That says something about me, right?
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The touch of another warm human being is very important to our well being, I think.
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I think so too, Audrey.
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Shari, I needed the balm of your words on a day when my mind feels on fire! A thoughtful reflective post on love, balm, reaching out to one another. I’m particularly struck with one phrase: ‘Understanding is the obligation of being human. ‘ Wonderfully written – powerful true words.
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Annika, I’m sorry to hear things are not going well for you today and hope your day gets better.
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Love the idea of these hands linked around the world. Oh for a world where we all make a point of accepting our differences and embracing our sameness. It is important to listen – not to formulate a reply but to understand. Another lovely thought Sharon.
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Listening with an open heart is a good first step, Irene. At least, I think so.
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