Over the past month I’ve visited some impressive cities. First was Singapore – a vibrant, fresh city, with modern architecture and clean streets, without any hint of pollution or graffiti. Apparently Singapore wasn’t always this way. Areas which were once heavily polluted and ugly are now transformed into prime tourist destinations. Singapore has reinvented itself.
Paris and London are full of architectural grandeur. Triumphs of the past are immortalised in architecture and the power of royalty is impossible to ignore. Rich history and culture are held firm in stone and steel. They are constant reminders of battles fought, wars won and of the many who walked the road before us.
Gazing up at the Arc de Triomphe it is impossible to ignore its beauty and might. It was constructed in 1809 to honour Napoleon’s soldiers. Napoleon himself plays an important role in this impressive structure, as he poses proudly in Paris, immortalized in statue form.
The Eiffel Tower sparkles at night, a monument of Parisian life, unique and mesmerizing. Museums, art galleries and churches are brimming with colorful histories, memories of times now past and intriguing people who lived centuries ago.
Yet amongst the glorious victories, the jewels and the breathtaking architecture are dark memories of days when corrupt kings executed innocent people, where decapitated heads were displayed on bridges to warn people not to step out of line and where deadly and incurable diseases destroyed many lives.
We are now in northern Italy, relaxing beside the Adriatic Sea for a few days of rest before setting off to explore Venice, Florence, Naples and Rome. More cities brimming with history await us, but for now I’m reflecting on all we’ve seen so far.
What do you think your life would look like if it were a city? Who would you immortalize in statue form at your city gates? Is there somebody you admire so much that they would take this special place?
Or perhaps you have fought some battles and won some victories in your life, and you’d like to see yourself standing proudly on the top of a tower, defeating the lion and riding high on your powerful steed?
Perhaps you want to simply celebrate your freedom and speak your mind and to paint your graffiti all around like they do in Berlin.
Would there be places in your city which have been cleaned up and restored like in Singapore, where the past isn’t mentioned but the future is all that matters now?
I wonder if you would admit to the ‘Tower of London places’ in your past which cause you shame and regret. Would you have the courage to have them in your city too?
My city would have a bit of Singapore, London, Paris, Amsterdam and Berlin all rolled into one.
I would have a tall building, modern and eye-catching, with a huge set of traffic lights, and a statue of my Dad, tall and victorious, holding an enormous trout. Below would be a list of his many achievements in the world of traffic engineering, the trout stream and in his family.
Nearby there would be a beautiful park, filled with pink roses and purple iris and lavender, and next to an aqua lake there would be a statue of Mum in the prime of her life, victorious, smiling and free. Below her statue would be a poem about her strength and faith, particularly in her final battle with brain cancer.
I would have a special building for my sisters and for each of my close friends – both past and present. Many of these buildings would be cafes, with comfortable chairs, ocean views and lots of good coffee where I could meet my friends and talk, or spend time reflecting on those I have loved and lost. For those I’ve lost, I would write words that would keep their memories alive. I would celebrate their gifts – their art, their music, their kindness and their humor.
Perhaps I’d be there too, a statue high above a doorway, celebrating my own victories – head held high, arm raised holding a sword (or perhaps a golden cappuccino?) as I sit astride an elegant white thoroughbred. I would write the words ‘Fear Not’ below my statue as fear has been my greatest enemy. Battling cancer was so much more than surviving a disease. It was a battle in my mind. Whether you live or die, you can be victorious over the fear. This mantra applies to so many battles we are called to fight.
I’d certainly have the revamped Singapore places, where I’ve had to clean up my act and change my habits over the years. What a relief to know that cities can be re-born! But I’d also have a few museums like the brave museums of Berlin which depict Hitler’s rule and the Holocaust. My museums would be full of all the broken pieces of my life, the embarrassing mistakes I’ve made, the unhealthy relationships I’ve been stuck in and the times I’ve been hurt and rejected. This would also be a place for a giant book filled with the many words I’ve spoken which I’d like to stuff back into my mouth.
Around my city there would be a moat, filled with pure, swirling, living water, protecting me from invasion from the enemy and cleansing and replenishing my streets and parks. The moat would keep me safe from harm. I’d put a sign next to the moat saying ‘The Presence of God’.
Can you imagine what your city would look like? Who would be your statues? What would you say under your victory statue? Would you have a park for someone you’ve loved and lost? Cities are always evolving, just as we are. Whatever your city looks like right now, I’m sure there would be none other quite the same. It is uniquely you and I bet it would be well worth a visit.
Kerry's Blog 