Norman Rockwell (1894-1978) is an American icon. His work is photographic in detail and intimate in subject. Though he’s sometimes characterized negatively as too emotional, let’s look again. Norman Rockwell was an illustrator. He was a product of his times and also of the material he illustrated. In his role, he painted through many realities that impacted the lives of Americans. Some of his work portrays the gratitude of wars ended, some the truth of wars not yet won. In the words of Frederick Buechner, he put a frame around moments.

Norman Rockwell was born in New York City and attended New York’s Art Student League. His first job was as an illustrator for Boys Life. He contributed illustrations to many books and magazines over his long career. His body of work totaled 4,000 works. He created The Problem We All Live With for LOOK magazine in 1964.

This piece is a study in strong contrasts of light and dark. The wall rages with language and thrown tomatoes. The marshals are cut off as they walk lock step in neutral suits with badges and armbands. And a precious child walks confidently to William Frantz Elementary School, a tiny and brave, starched and prepared, Ruby Bridges. How could this not be a scene for both mind and heart? Emotional? Yes. Necessary? Yes.

Steven Spielberg is quoted as saying that Rockwell painted the American Dream better than anyone. In 2011, President Obama brought this painting to the White House and viewed it with Ruby Bridges Hall.

Lest we forget, this is what it took to fight racism 61 years ago. What does it require of us now? May our prayer be to be guided to that answer. Thanks be to God. Amen.

In gratitude, faith and hope,