Friendship, by Rod Sawatsky

Rod Sawatsky uses calligraphy to illuminate a faith story. The artist’s eight-year-old daughter Tallie makes Saturday trips with her grandfather to downtown Portland, Oregon, where they feed and talk to people who are homeless. One day Tallie’s mom commented on her relationship with a homeless man named Spider. “It really makes Spider feel special when you make things for him and take time to visit him.” Without any hesitation Tallie responded, “Well, he is special. He’s one of my best friends.” The artist writes: “Tallie could see character qualities in Spider that had endeared him to her. . . . Once we care about people personally and see their incredible value, it is natural then for us to act in a way that supports restoration in their world.”