Blinded by Power - art & reflection by Judy Boykin

Individuals who arrive at the doors of centers like Shalom and the Mission, are living in the moment in a crisis. Some are just searching for a non-threatening human contact in a less chaotic atmosphere. Whatever fractures have occurred in their lives, I believe they were guided by God in their search for a safe haven in Shalom. The Coalition for the Homeless and the Shalom Resource Center developed a logical approach to deliver basic supports to help our neighbor succeed. And those who can’t succeed yet, because of so many failures, consistent patience and structure that can be offered to this human, could be the motivating force for a new beginning.
Some individuals in our community are invited to serve on government boards and committees; Civics in action-fulfilling one’s sense of duty. Unfortunately, bias, prejudice and personal opinions can emerge to the surface and become one’s sense of control and satisfaction. Being blinded by power- the duties of the board member is lost in this sense of inordinate power to decide the fate of caring community and those who live in it.

It was discouraging and frightful to sit through a BZA hearing, with hate expressed eloquently by neighbors who felt they were above reproach. It was heart wrenching to hear a young military man share his personal crisis that rendered him without a permanent address, and the joy he held in his heart for those that helped him. I felt deep anger as the BZA dismissed him and showed total disregard for this human. Blinded by power, the BZA lost control of their meeting, lost their direction for the task at hand, and resorted to personal opinions and gave an Oscar winning performance for the “nimby award”. (There but by the grace of God go I, I pray that the individuals in our community who celebrate nimbyism will listen and understand God’s message as they make decisions for others.

I wanted to capture in my limited artistic way, the image of talking heads who have no ears to listen, no eyes to see, thereby keeping their hearts closed. I wanted the individuals who have no voice of their own, but listen and take in life through wide eyes. Who will they trust, There but by the grace of God go I.