Exploring the Intersection of Art, Faith and the Human experience


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Considering My Culpability in Creating Harm

After any tragedy Facebook and Twitter light up with proclamations about who is to blame and what other people must immediately do to rectify the situation. Whether its politics, terrorism, racism, rape, police relations or gun violence rarely do I see much personal reflection; only shame and guilt – directed either inward or outward. I’ve found myself longing for space where we as fellow humans can respectfully listen to our deepest selves and to one another. Not to convince or blame or even rally to action but contemplate the ramifications of all our choices and consider deeply the small, seemingly innocuous ways we each contribute to greater good or greater harm.

Pamela Flynn’s exhibit, Considering Harm is an opportunity to do just that. The images speak to (unfortunately) universal themes of harm done to others while the accompanying stories ground the images in current, real life events making it difficult to escape the immediacy of harm done. What I have found compelling is reflecting on the images in a deeply personal way. My initial response, like most people, is to sympathize with the victims; to wonder how in the world this sort of thing happens and what can be done to prevent such violence in the future. These are important questions but the title of the exhibit invites me to go deeper – to truly consider harm.

While I do not own a gun and can’t imagine myself using one, especially to act is such a violent way, if I’m honest I have to recognize that the people who commit violent crimes are human just like me. In some cases, extreme mental illness is at play but I have to wonder what hundreds of little choices and acts done to or by the perpetrator leads to a moment of violent action. Gun or not, people react in violent ways all the time -just try driving in traffic in DC or cutting in line while Christmas shopping. I know I can sometimes feel a disproportionate rage well up in me when something at work doesn’t go the way I planned or I feel someone has treated me unfairly. No, I haven’t picked up a gun to solve these issues but I have considered causing small amounts of harm. In fact, I do cause small amounts of harm. When I react out of anger or selfishness or apathy; when I act like life is a game to win or success the goal of life.

I think the challenge Pamela’s work invites us into is more than to sign a petition to ban or support this or that but into the more difficult reflection of the ways that we personally are culpable in the harm that is perpetrated in our own communities. As is often said; “If you aren’t part of the solution, you are part of the problem.” I am asking myself: In what ways am I able to connect with my neighbors, community leaders, spiritual leaders, governments, schools, law enforcement, etc. to promote better communication and a stronger sense of understanding and community? In what ways do my actions in the grocery store, at work, in the car and at home contribute to either harm or good in small ways every day? What responsibility do I have in relationships with people beyond what is beneficial for me? How can I pray for and treat well and love my neighbor?

These seem like small, maybe insignificant things that perhaps will effect no change at all but contemplating this exhibit makes me think that isn’t true. Maybe it is only after we each take a long hard look at ourselves, really get quiet and listen that we are able to assume a posture of action that leads to change.

The Considering Harm Closing Reception is March 21st 6-8 PM featuring the artist and special guest, Babe King of the Yellow Tape Project. It is free and open to the public.

Lisa Cole Smith is the Pastor of the Church at Convergence and the Executive Director of the Convergence Arts Initiative.




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