However many times do we pass others without knowing what their lives are like or what they are currently going through! Therefore, a kind word or smile is the least we can give to each other- for that may just be the healing gift one needs in a time of desolation.

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This painting attempts to illustrate what one kind word or smile can bring about for another. This girl is one such saddened and wounded soul, as depicted by her countenance and teary, red eyes from much crying. She is enveloped in a cloud of darkness and seems to look intently at the viewer as if pleading for help. Yet she is also just beginning to smile, implying that someone either uttered a lovely word or simply smiled at her, which in turn lifted her spirits. As a result, she replied, "Thank you," whether verbally or silently, for this simple gesture filled her with life, hope, and consolation. The smoke around her gradually begins to fade, dispelling the darkness and revealing the light she believed was long gone. Further, the butterflies now surrounding her indicate new life- even their burnt edges symbolize their emergence from the smoke- and the little globes of light also display a new presence of vibrancy.