9/11 Poem by my Mom
CELEBRATION OF THE HUMAN SPIRIT September 11th, Two Thousand One Brought death, destruction and pain; Our wound was deep and our lives… Will never be the same. But out of this evil came great good With stories of courage and daring; Stories of heroes and unselfish acts, Stories of love and caring. We celebrate the human spirit, Our faith dissolves each fear; A renewal of strength a nd determination Springs from every tear. Shoulder to shoulder and heart to heart, United we will stand; The spirit of pride and togetherness Lives on in this great land. © Copyright 2001 Idella Pearl...
Read MoreLetter to my friend
The night was soft and comforting as I lay in bed awaiting sleep. The drone of the fan was soft upon my ear and its light breeze danced across my skin. The sheets were smooth and cool as my toes slid deeper under the blankets. The pale light from the windows mingled with the darkness creating soft blurred forms as my glasses lay beside me on the dresser. The warm spot on my pillow had a comforting scent that often lured me to sleep. All of this was enticing my slumber. But one lone thing kept me awake. Reluctantly, I climbed out of bed and wandered through the dark into the other room. As I turned on the computer screen the brightness stung my eyes. But I knew if I did not write this down, sleep would not come smoothly. Oh friend my friend, my beloved friend. I feel your deep throbbing pain. I hear your cries of despair. And in the midst of your growing hopelessness I hear your fearful cry, “I’m losing my faith!” I’ve been where you are but my path is not your path. My answers are not your answers. Your pain, while maybe similar, is uniquely yours. So I cannot say do this or do that and it’ll fix everything. But I can offer you this and hope that you can take it and use it. When I look at your life I see faith, strong, everlasting faith. Within the course of one week I saw a woman that boldly declared that she is not ashamed of the Gospel of Christ. I saw a woman that stood with unwavering righteousness and strength against the wars waged against the unborn. And a woman that gently and tenderly led a tiny, precious life to the foot of the Cross. Is this not faith? Can you not see God’s mighty hand at work in your life? Perhaps it’s time to retrain your eyes, to turn them away from the outward things and onto the inward things. God never promised us a perfect life. No, the scripture speaks of trials and tribulations. It speaks of God’s refining fires. But it also speaks of God’s mercy and grace. Just because your spot right now is painful does not mean He has turned his back on you. I don’t know why you are where you are right now but I do know that He feels your pain even deeper than you do. And I know that He cries out to you, “My child, my precious, precious child. I wish I could show you why. I wish I could take away the pain. But for now, you must endure. But while you walk through these trying times, I’m still here. Every time you shed your tears, I cry as well. Know this, you are my child, my beloved, and I am taking these times and molding you. I am teaching you things that you do not yet understand. Keep your eyes on Me, the prize, that you do not lose your way. Satan is waging battle for your soul but I will not lose you. I have placed my strength inside you to carry you through. I am there, even when you cannot see.” Faith does not promise us the life that we desire. Faith guides us toward the life that God desires. To us, life means circumstances, where we live, our jobs, our things, our pride and pleasures. To Him, life is truly life. Life continues despite circumstances. It is our love, our worship, our faith. Spend some time in...
Read MoreCollege Education
Kerry Jo Montoya graduated Oklahoma City University with a B.F.A. Magna cum laude in Studio Art. Also a recipient of the Yamamoto Art Scholarship, Fritz Ford Art Scholarship, Iva B. Kelley Scholarship, and the Mary E. Harris Scholarship.
Read MoreArt Institute of Chicago
Winner in the “Themes on a Great Idea” tri-state art competition with an artistic interpretation of Margret Mead’s quote, “If we are to achieve a richer culture, rich in contrasting values, we must recognize the whole gamut of human potentialities.” My art was displayed in the Art Institute of Chicago for the month of November 1992. I received a personal commendation from the first woman mayor of Chicago, Jane Byrne. I also received commendations from the House of Representatives & Congress.
Read MoreCongressional Recognition
I received special recognition from Congress in the 13th District Congressional Art Contest with my work displayed in the U.S. Capital, August 1985.
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