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Is dignity most visible in the invisible? A number of years ago, The Salvation Army (Canada) asked me to participate in research into Trafficking in Persons. I went from ignorance to indignation and to rising anger. Why? The facts shook me. Here's a very brief sampling of the horrifying realities:
People are treasures; they are the jewels in the community crown. I became angry and knew I had to direct my anger to positive action, even though my resources were limited. The best I could do was write and talk - help others see and to understand. I wrote about the invisible dignity of persons and I invited people to pray and fast - one day, one weekend. That one weekend last year has grown into the Invisible Dignity Project this year. Our imaginations are sources of inspired action - for both good and evil. Daily stories of horrific and unimaginable attacks against persons create shock, fright and anger, but we have been numbed through hearing of too many atrocities. Art can inspire new hope, new direction and new action. My hope for the Invisible Dignity Project is to inspire positive and hopeful goals that encompass all the diversity of culture and race, poverty and difference. A good and hopeful vision is needed for us to make a way forward. Without a good vision our responses to evil are limited and often ineffective, because they are symptomatic. Artists can help us envision, believe and work for more holistic and inclusive communities. My hope is through these little actions to rally passionate people to committed action. Is it possible to raise up an army that can see, really see, persons who are poor and without power, who are marginalized, oppressed, forgotten, brutalized and ignored? Is it possible to inspire a global army with imaginations filled with hope and good? Not an army with conventional weapons, but an army of people who see the beauty and dignity of their neighbours - all their neighbours in the world: red and yellow, black and white. The weapons of this army are open eyes and full hearts. This is not about guilt. My hope is to inspire vision and passionate action. Our eyes and hearts might be opened through art, music, poetry and prayer with fasting. Come and see, come be filled.
Featured Guests:
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Allmar International
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Participating
Artists: