Dawn’s Return–At West End Gallery
All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.
–Walt Disney, The Story of Walt Disney (1957)
As someone who has had their teeth knocked out several times, literally and figuratively, I might want to disagree with Walt Disney here. But I get the gist of what he is saying. It is actually something that I have believed for a long time now, that we are strengthened by the obstacles and setbacks we face.
Once you know that you can bounce back from adversity it becomes easier to tackle whatever the next roadblock might be.
I am not going into a long spiel on the subject this morning. In the wake of yesterday’s Congressional hearing with the Attorney General, I was originally going to write about what is taking place in the country. It would have been long and angry.
But I just couldn’t do it this morning. Wanted to keep my blood pressure down a bit this morning. Writing a post about the many terrible things that are simultaneously taking place here would definitely shoot it sky high.
I would most likely end up looking like a Disney character whose head turns into a red-faced tea kettle with steam streaming out both ears.
Trying to stay away from getting into specifics that might trigger this tea kettle effect, I will point out that this current situation is our collective stumbling block right now.
It is a large and treacherous mountain placed in our path to the promise so many of us once saw and still see for this country. To get to the other side will require, as is the case when encountering any obstacle, a summoning of our collective strength and willpower.
It’s going to be difficult, but it is not an impossible task. Almost all obstacles can be overcome with diligence. tenacity, and well-considered action.
We’re going to lose a few teeth along the way. But take it from someone who knows, it will be worth the sacrifice in order to get over that mountain. It will make getting to the other side all the sweeter.
Here’s a song that very much sums up this thought. Here’s a rousing version of the gospel classic Lord Don’t Move That Mountain that was popularized by the great Mahalia Jackson in the late 1950’s. This is a performance from Jacob Lusk, who I featured recently with song performed with Moby, with Jools Holland on piano. I am throwing in Jacob’s great and fun version of Bennie and the Jets at the bottom for good measure. It took place at the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert honoring Elton John and Bernie Taupin.
The painting at the top, Dawn’s Return, doesn’t easily fit in here this morning. I just see a lot of things in it for myself and wanted to share it again.
Maybe its dawn is on the other side of the mountain?
Maybe.
Redtree Times 