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The Purple Rule

  • Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline
  • 7 hours ago
  • 1 min read
Collage of diverse faces around the blog title, "The Purple Rule," next to the Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church logo.

Last week, I wrote about Norman Rockwell. I ended the post by sharing this painting:


Diverse children and adults from many cultures crowd together in a poster with gold text: "Do unto others as you would have them do unto you."

I’ve seen posters of this painting hanging in the offices of colleagues, and I always appreciate it. It is a distillation of the gospel message with an image that speaks to the breadth of the kind of love that God calls for us to share.


I think this piece of art, a pure message of love from a quintessentially American artist, should be held as a treasure for our nation.


But the other thing is, every time I look at this painting I see a different icon of America, another American treasure.


Do you see it?


If not, allow me to zoom in:


Diverse faces surround a nun holding a child in a painted collage; gold text reads: "Do unto others as you would have done unto you."

How about now?


Young man with intense expression grips a pole, against a red and striped background, wearing earrings and a necklace.

This painting was done in 1961, but it is clear to me that Norman Rockwell was clairvoyantly painting an image of none other than the purple one himself…Prince, who was born in 1958.


Close-up of Prince, framing his face with both hands, staring intensely at the camera against a white background.

I can’t look at the painting, regardless of how much I appreciate it, without seeing Prince hiding in the background. Chances are you won’t be able to either.



Peace,

Rev. Jeff Fox-Kline



If you're looking for a welcoming church home in Rochester, NY, we invite you to join us for worship on Sundays at 10:00 a.m. at Twelve Corners Presbyterian Church, 1200 S. Winton Road, Rochester, NY 14618. Whether you've been part of a church for years or are simply curious about faith (with some fun!), there's a place for you here. We'd love to meet you and are saving a seat for you. Learn more about us by visiting our website or calling our office at 585-244-8585.

 
 
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