About the Blessing Cup

Over a year ago, people began saying to me that they would gladly purchase some my hand-painted cards. Not having ever received formal training as an artist, I resisted their offers partly out of shyness to claim my gift and partly out of a growing conviction that I didn't want to begin "marketing" artwork in any way that would be incongruous with my deeper values.

I sat with all this, waiting for the mud to settle.

In the meantime, I continued to draw and paint, pray and journal. I made cards for friends and led workshops on creativity and spirituality. And then it occurred to me that the primary motif surfacing again and again in my work was of a "blessing cup."

Hannah Anderson 2004 The Blessing Cup

Some of the blessing cups are simple; others are ornate. All symbolize God's generosity of blessing in my life which simply wants to overflow into the lives of others. I can think of no better recipients than children to receive such blessing.

Having been a mother, a teacher and now a priest, I continue to marvel at the capacity of children to learn, grow, and help "lead the way." We have created a world which is not particularly kind toward our little ones as they face inordinate challenges of daily violence, hunger and prejudice. And yet, our Lord reminds us that these little ones who are often last are to be among the first when we consider the Gospel Order.

And so I am ready to share my artwork with others. But here is the deal — the profits will be evenly divided among five children's ministries currently being offered in the Diocese of New York that I know are making a difference in the lives of children:

Redfield House, Berkshire Country, MA;
Boys' and Girls' Club of Pittsfield, Berkshire Country, MA;
Berkshire County Kids' Place And Violence Prevention Center, Inc., Berkshire Country, MA;
Church of Our Savior, (Chinatown), Manhattan.

When we live with grateful hearts, we have more than enough.