Edward Hopper lived in New York and painted his surroundings. Many of his works done in clear color and realism convey a sense of isolation and sadness as with this single figure sitting in a corner and so close to the prominent windows. Her downward gaze might be to the people on a Brooklyn street below. He left many questions for us to answer with his choices of perspective. You may be familiar with another work by Hopper. His Nighthawks is a view of forlorn people seen through the window of an all-night diner. Again his perspective causes us to wonder about them.

Room in Brooklyn seems to easily span the 88 years since its creation. It speaks to the isolation many have felt during the months of this pandemic and to the double portion of aloneness that will be the Holidays, 2020, in many lives. Hopper gives us an image for what we suspect.

This woman represents all our neighbors near or far. She is all the people we can include on our list of texts and emails to send; our list of calls to make; our list of cards to write; porch deliveries to schedule; and our list of prayers to whisper and repeat. There are many, many ways even within our current limitations to love her as ourselves in God’s way and name. May this image be our call and reminder.

Reaching out in hope and gratitude and wishing you a Happy Thanksgiving!

Sandy Prouty

Minister of Children and Families

Montview Church