The dictionary includes many meanings for “passion”: “an intense, driving feeling or conviction,” “a strong liking or desire or devotion to some activity,” “sexual desire.” All too often, it is the latter that is emphasized in popular culture—especially in ads for everything from movies and TV shows to cars and cigarettes.
In this issue, we have remarkable examples of persons whose passions exemplify a wider range of meanings: fervor, ardor, enthusiasm and zeal. Artist John E. Brown found his talent late in life and now wins awards. Bunny Matthews’ love of New Orleans combines with his creativity to bring us the iconic Vic and Nat’ly. When her husband died, Casey Crosby lost all passion; after finding her music, she says it’s back.
Pam Ewen’s passion for truth eventually led her on a spiritual journey to find a new faith. Fishermen Bobby Evans and Shannon Moragas continue a Gulf Coast tradition; Shannon says, “It’s a way of life. If you don’t like it, you won’t do it. Money ain’t the object.” Volunteers dedicated to feeding the hungry eagerly plant seeds of hope.
And then we have the many northshore wives who wrote to us about their hot husbands. Clearly, the romance, the ardor, is there, but throughout the letters, there is also a common thread of a passionate commitment to a shared life.
There are many quotes that say finding a passion is necessary for a happy, successful life. I like this one: “If you have ever felt such tremendous enthusiasm and desire for something that you would gladly spend all your waking hours working on it, that you would happily do without pay, then you have found your passion.”
I hope you have found yours. I have!
