Crossing the Monkey Bridge

Crossing the Monkey Bridge

There has been so much happening since we returned from Liberia. I had the chance to share my experiences with both my Education for Ministry (EfM) classes as well as the seminarians at Bexley Hall. In addition, one of Lawson Sworh's paintings is part of the ECSF silent auction. I find that the 6 paintings by Lawson that I brought home are a wonderful way to walk someone through the Liberia experience. Below is what I wrote for the ECSF auction site, because this image helps focus on some of the impressions that are foremost in my mind.

"Lawson Sworh is a Liberian with the Episcopal Church of Liberia, who paints these incredibly vivid images of his native country. He was a student that benefited from Rev. Abby Flemister's scholarship work, and now shares his culture, country and faith through his art. Biblical connections are striking in each of his paintings. The painting donated for the silent auction is called "Crossing the Monkey Bridge" and shows people heading in a purposeful direction. Perhaps after a day of work, but perhaps after being away for a longer period. The living water (Baptism) flows enthusiastically below. The hillsides are barren...and may represent a wilderness. They also can represent the destruction that not only Liberians but people in various parts of the world now deal with—these pilgrims are bringing new plants and new life to the landscape. And most of all, the people are traveling in community. It looks like there are men and women, each with a different load to carry. Wherever they travel they are on the path together and can support each other."

And a reminder from my first blog on Liberia:

"In each of us dwells a wanderer, a gypsy, a pilgrim. The purpose here is to call forth that spirit. What matters most on your journey is how deeply you see, how attentively you hear, how richly the encounters are felt in your heart and soul."