I was looking for paintings of women in rage when this image of a ‘Penitent’ Mary Magdalene appeared. I found myself intrigued and for no reason in particular (I’m not a religious woman), I could identify with her. Looking deeper I found an interpretation of Mary as a symbol for (among other things)‘the miraculous, transcendent power of grace.’

Grace. A concept that I’ve wrestled with a lot this year as I’ve learned how to forgive (of all people) myself. Letting go of old ideas can feel a lot like grief, but let me tell you…but there really is no grace quite like the kind you show yourself. 

Original painting by Artemisia Gentileschi.