Visiting the Safe Space of ReNew York: Guest post by Anna Hogan
The moment I stepped off the plane in LaGuardia I felt my heart skip a beat with excitement. The energy shift from Lexington, Kentucky is so tangible. New York City’s famous rush and hustle is in full swing. I pull myself into the flow, like a merge onto an 80 mph freeway. Instead of my family, I’m surrounded by people I don’t know. There was a long line to find an uber; as I look up and down, I wonder: Do the people in it share my longings to be known, seen, cared for, listened to?
As if in answer, my uber driver, Mark, struck up a conversation with me. He moved to the city a few years ago to split a house with 7 other people “so he wouldn’t ever have to be lonely.” I grin as he tells me it’s “worth every penny.”
I arrive at the tiny little house that looks like a colorful postcard painted with flowers on an otherwise seemingly ordinary Astoria residential street. Greeted with huge smiles, warm hugs, and the familiar friendly faces of Amy and Danielle, I feel my body relax. This, I know, is a safe space.
I have been given this sense of home, for a few days, even in a city objectively vastly different from my own.
I love the city in the summer. The street vendors are out and smells greet me in turn: Shawarma, tacos, and Thai food–my choice. No wonder Mark came here.
When I come back, I see the tiny New York living room miraculously transformed into a painting studio for 12 people- utilizing every square inch. My Paint Your Story Workshop is a reflective work designed to bring about awareness of the stories we carry, how we live with each other, and how God is redeeming us for his glory. I make my preparations, and then the people come.
One by one, I am greeted by this special community of artists, with rich stories embedded in them. There are artists who know each other well, new people, people from different countries and backgrounds, locals, people who just moved here. There are Taiwanese Americans, an Indian American, a woman from Colombia, a man from Nicaragua. There are experienced and professional painters, a make-up artist, a lighting designer, a dancer…
Most familiar is a face I’ve prayed for. I’ve heard of Jess and seen her picture in Amy and Danielle’s newsletter for years; I’ve learned about her painting, her cancer recovery, and her persevering spirit. But meeting her for the first time, I am moved to tears. Jess has the brightest light and a smile full of joy. Lord, thank You for Your faithfulness! That You would bring me here to see your goodness in these otherwise strangers!
The unfolding of stories happens in safe spaces. In this little living room, room is made, and trust, care, and friendship allow people to share honestly.
We hear from each person through their painting: chosen chapters of their family, childhood, culture, pressing hardships, and even grief. We shared how God is redeeming us and encouraged each other with hope where we needed it, well into the night. I was surprised by familiar themes of healing and the specific ways God aligned our stories, such as military trauma, autoimmune disorder battles, amputee living, culturally specific families, familial loss, and so much more.
What a privilege to see the Spirit at work! It is rare to encounter the garden of such a well-cultivated community. Amy and Danielle have a special gift of holding space for people to allow deep connection.
On the journey back to Kentucky, from home to home, my heart is full. My own story is reflected back to me in the stories of the city, and I realize the unique ways God has opened my eyes to see Jesus faithfully redeem the broken places, especially through the gentleness of art and community.
I cannot believe His love draws me into such beautiful and holy spaces.
Thank you, Renew York!
