Creativity within a Confused World

In a world full of disagreements, heartbreak and hate, there are pockets that exude creativity and light. Many of us find this in Providence.

Shift in Reality

The definition of freedom of speech has changed juristically since its origin. The United States Constitution identifies the First Amendment as a protection of the press, assembly, and to peacefully petition the government.

The world that we live in currently is full of immensely fearless individuals who are looked up to for change and answers. Our world is also full of hesitation, lack of courage and fear. Oftentimes, these lists can be seen as both positive and negative attributes.

As someone who feels as though they have already grown up in many different versions or transitions in our world’s history, I have found myself more recently thinking of this topic than ever.

I was taught to ask questions, stand up for what I believe in, to never assume anything. To not trust the leading response without further information. I was also taught to be creative. That I could accomplish anything I put my mind to. That I could always dream bigger.

Ideas Beneath the Norm

I am a creative writer. I find inspiration in often the most obscure topics. This means that even while working in the Archives Department, I find inspiration for my writings.

Typically, I keep them for myself. They are an explosion of a dramatic thought I find myself hearing in my head beneath the quiet sounds of the Rooney Library basement.

As I was working on digitizing books full of names of the Sisters of Providence of Saint Mary-of-the-Woods, Indiana, I would see smaller missions where only a few Sister’s names would be repeated, with a new Sister joining her each year.

My wondrous mind found inspiration in this. The following is the result of said spark.

Theatrical or Sensible?

As I type attendance records, I am always thinking about their lives, such as what they were doing or how they were feeling. Sometimes, like today or right now, I find myself wondering how they felt when they traveled for missions or jobs with only a few, or any, companions alongside them.

There are three sisters.
One goes, two stay.
A new one joins,
The new one leaves.
Another joins!
The next year she leaves.

When the two who continue to stay finish their daily work and catch up at the end of a long day, do they find joy in someone new joining? Does it become heartbreaking when they are continuing a cycle of welcoming and saying goodbye within a year?

One of the two sisters leave.
One stays and occasionally welcomes someone new.

Does the last one staying miss having someone close who knows her story, who knows parts of herself better than she does? Does she wish she could go a day not explaining something to someone new?

The last one standing says goodbye.

The list states, “SP’s withdraw.”

The mission crumbles. Have they each reunited? Did they even like each other to begin with? Are they together again, sharing new stories and retelling memories? Or are these just names on a paper that I am overthinking dramatic concepts for?

Reflection of My Query

I found myself thinking about these questions. I do not always find myself writing about topics that I question. But I found that this idea of change for an individual, a woman, a Sister, was inspiring.

I wanted my question answered in an honest way, a truthful way. I want to discover what the founding Sisters would think of my questions and of the current world we live in.

Others, I believe, oftentimes also reflect on the impact of Saint Mother Theodore Guerin and those who assisted in the environment we see now, on Saint Mary’s Road.

Without the founding Sisters who left all that they knew behind, or simply people like me who ask questions, our world would be one minded. No one would ever learn anything new nor would they challenge others to think harder, stand up for what they believe in and face their fears head-on.