Like so many of you, recent events across the nation have made me uncomfortable, angry, guilty, confused and stressed. I’m white, and like many other white people, I reached out to a black friend to have a dialogue about race. Tanya’s clarity and frankness was much appreciated. Several days later, she arrived at my door with a gift – a copy of African-American Wisdom: A Book of Quotations and Proverbs. This celebration of black culture is a collection of wise advise from a diverse group of renowned thinkers. She purchased this book especially for me because it is illustrated with fine art from African-Americans. She knows me well. I read through it three times so far; it has quickly become a treasure.

I’ve pulled out a dozen of my favorite quotes from the book that are helping to guide my life, and I want to give them a place of honor here. They are short, to the point, and make so much sense in these times.

“… if you have a purpose in which you can believe, there’s no end to the amount of things you can accomplish.”

Marian Anderson (1902-1993)
American Opera Singer

“Find the good. It’s all around you. Find it, showcase it, and you’ll start believing it.”

Jesse Owens (1913-1980)
American Olympic Track and Field Athlete

“A good head and a good heart are always a formidable combination.”

Nelson Mandela (918-2013)
South African President

“Never be afraid to sit a while and think.”

Lorraine Hansberry (1930-1965)
American Dramatist

“Perpetual optimism is a force multiplier.”

Colin Powell (B. 1937)
American Secretary of State

“Seize the time.”

Bobby Seale (B. 1937)
American Social Activist

“We must turn to each other and not on each other.”

Jesse Jackson (B. 1941)
American Minister and Civil-Rights Activist

“Never confuse knowledge with wisdom. By wisdom, I mean wrestling with how to live.”

Cornell West (B. 1954)
American Philosopher and Activist

“It’s better to look ahead and prepare than to look back and regret.”

Jackie Joyner-Kersee (B. 1962)
American Olympic Heptathlete

“Our lives, hopes, and dreams depend on our ability to be heard.”

James Bernard (B. 1965)
American Writer and Editor

“Though a person doesn’t grow up with a silver spoon in her mouth, she can still taste the good things in life.”

Carole Gist (B. 196)
Miss USA 1990

The next pithy phrase grabbed me so much, I responded with a beautiful little shadowbox.

“After distress, solace.”

Swahili Proverb

Race discussions may be awkward but they are increasingly necessary. If this is a tricky subject for your family and/or friends, the following art & wellness challenge may be a great thing for you to do together! Of course, race does not have to be the topic you choose to explore. Whatever your focus, this is a thoughtful activity that can be done as an individual or in a group.

Art & Wellness Challenge

Hand-write or print out quotes that resonate with you. Keep them in a box, jar or other attractive container. Select a quote and make artwork in response to what it means to you. Share a photo of your artwork via email at chris@chrissingleheart.com or via message on Facebook at facebook.com/chrissingleheart. Include the quote you responded to, and discuss why you chose it. Add to your collection of quotes as you come across them and use them as starting points for future art pieces.

The Fine Print

Participation in this and any Art and Wellness Challenge is on a voluntary basis and at your own risk.