This is the sketch of a well-known piece by American illustrator and painter, Norman Rockwell (1894-1978). It seems this piece and Rockwell’s relationship with it have long histories. Norman Rockwell sketched this scene in 1953 to represent the humanitarian initiatives of the United Nations at the time. He did not complete it until 1961 when it appeared on the cover of the Saturday Evening Review. In addition, a mosaic of this work was given to the United Nations in 1985 by the First Lady Nancy Reagan and it was repaired and rededicated at the UN in 2014.

Rockwell who had centered his work on our country’s culture painted many memorable, romantic scenes of a homogenous America before this one. With this piece he hoped to portray “masses of people from around this world all waiting for this world to change.” Here he promotes all people following the “Do Unto Others As You Would Have Them Do Unto You” pronouncement of every major world religion. 

And we are still waiting. Early yesterday morning in the city of Colorado Springs, a person ignored what is golden. It took him just seconds to break the rule and bodies and hearts and faith.

The sketch seems more appropriate today than the finished, colorful painting. This work is ours to finish as we again find ourselves brought to our knees by the armed hatred of one neighbor against others. What to say? What to do? What to pray? May we fold our hands and whisper and shout our prayers this day. God, please hear us.

In gratitude, faith and hope,

Sandy Prouty
Minister of Children and Families
Montview Church