Punctuation tells us if a sentence is ending, or if a sentence is continuing. A comma is a pause and a period is final. A semi-colon is not the end, there is always more words after it. A semi-colon tattoo to say, “I am still here.”
Last year I saw a semicolon tattoo on someone’s Facebook wall. I don’t remember who the person was with the tattoo, but the meaning behind the tattoo I didn’t forget. The Semicolon Project.
What is the semicolon project?
Amy Bleuel, started Project Semicolon in the spring of 2013 because she wanted to honor her father whom she lost to suicide. The semicolon represents a new beginning.
Project Semicolon is a global non-profit movement dedicated to presenting hope and love for those who are struggling with mental illness, suicide, addiction and self-injury. Project semicolon exists to encourage, love and inspire.
— Project Semi-Colon
The tattoo only took a few minutes to make. Deciding what typeface to use for the semicolon took me almost a month.
I write about art, creativity and life with cat barf and seven litter boxes. And sometimes I write about punctuation.
The semicolon is a small reminder that life is valuable and worth living. There is always hope.
You are fearfully and wonderfully made.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.
— Psalm 139:14
When you feel sad, remember the semicolon. And remember, tomorrow morning the sun will rise. There is always hope.
I only wash my dishes with joy dish soap. It reminds me to pray for my friend Joy who has a son with down syndrome.
If you feel sad, and are struggling, please reply to this email, and I will add you my list to pray for when I wash my dishes. Or put your name in the comments. I wash dishes at least once a day, and sometimes after every meal, so that is a lot of prayer. On the days I am sad I need to wash my dishes more often.
There are 15,972 quotes about hope on Goodreads
I picked my favorite three to encourage you. There are still 15,969 you can read.
“When you have lost hope, you have lost everything. And when you think all is lost, when all is dire and bleak, there is always hope.”
― Pittacus Lore, I Am Number Four
“Hope is a waking dream.”
― Aristotle
“When it was dark, you always carried the sun in your hand for me.”
― Seán O’Casey, Three More Plays: The Silver Tassie, Purple Dust, Red Roses For Me
I will carry the sun in my hand for you
Please remember how much you are loved. And when it is dark, remember you have a friend who is carrying the sun in their hand for you.
He heals the brokenhearted
and binds up their wounds.
— Psalm 147:3
Sending you love and hugs today.
xo
Pamela
Click here to comment. As always I love to hear from you.
Other Resources
10 Powerful Suicide Prevention Quotes & Sayings
1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)
Writing slice of life stories at Two Writing Teachers, writing every day for the month of March.