“I have set my bow in the clouds, and it shall be a sign of the covenant between me and the earth”
—Genesis 9: 13 NRSV
It was such a privilege to be at the ceremony on June 21 at the Humboldt Civic Park to celebrate the installation of the Reconciliation Mural by artist Kevin PeeAce which is now featured on the north wall of City Hall.
The positive energy brought by the Indigenous drummers and dancers that day along with the excitement of the youth from our community (who inspired Kevin’s artwork) was palpable. I was so grateful to be part of the festivities and to witness such a historic moment in the life of our community.
Taking in all the powerful symbolism of the Reconciliation Mural I couldn’t help but notice how the rainbow runs through the centre of the painting. And then to see that rainbow alongside the PRIDE flag dancing gently in the breeze that afternoon, I felt a sense of hope realizing that our community is moving in a good way.
According to the writer of Genesis, God put a rainbow in the sky as a reminder of the covenant between God and the earth. Since 1978 the LGBTQ+ community has used the rainbow flag to represent: Red for life in all its forms; Orange for healing; Yellow for sunlight and all kinds of light; Green for nature in all her diversity; Blue for harmony; and Purple for the Spirit which guides us all. Since 1978 the PRIDE flag has evolved to be even more inclusive with the addition of blue, pink and white representing the transgender community and black and brown representing people of colour.
It is vital to remember how the Indigenous people walked on and cared for this land thousands of years before the settlers came. Reconciliation is important. It is also vital to remember that God’s love is for everyone. Inclusion is important. Yes, there is much for us to learn about reconciliation and inclusion and living in right relations with our neighbours but it feels as though we have taken some small but significant steps on the journey; steps that will lead us towards a promising future.
From a faith perspective, we are called to live into the colours of the rainbow and to practice God’s covenant of hope and peace in all the conversations and interactions of our lives at home, at work and at play. My prayer today is that God will guide us along this right path and empower us to make LOVE the good news that we share with each other and the world every day. May it be so!
“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to God in heaven.”
—Matthew 5: 16b NRSV
