Hope is a powerful force, and sometimes it takes a tangible form—like a gigantic paper chain made of personalized links. Recently, Healing in Arts had the privilege of working with a group of international women in collaboration with Global Coffee Break. The weekend began with my first talk, “Hope in Hard Places,” where I shared my personal journey of finding hope following my parents’ divorce. On the second day, we came together to create a performance art piece.
Leading up to this workshop, we had a few opportunities to connect through meals and small group time. One woman gave an account of fleeing war and starting anew in America. Another talked about adapting to a new culture with the support of her church. Someone else shared how she started a business helping women learn to speak English.
As friendships deepened through listening to one another’s stories, I invited the women to write their favorite messages of hope on strips of paper. We gathered in a circle, taking turns reading our sacred words aloud and linking our pieces from one person to the next. As the paper chain grew, our collective vision of hope expanded. While going around the circle, some needed assistance in looping the links. This gesture represented the importance of mutual support and cultural understanding.
Stories and laughter filled the room as we worked side by side. What began as a simple art project transformed into something far more profound. The art exercise helped the women feel seen, heard, and valued. Links of Hope offers a powerful reminder that even the smallest creative acts can bond people from all different corners of the world.
