Standing Tall: A Journey of Resilience, Art, and Community

It’s been three years since I made the decision to leave my job of 14 years in Topeka and start a new chapter in Kansas City. The transition wasn’t one of place—my family and I still call Topeka home—but of purpose and opportunity.

Leaving a place where I had spent nearly a decade and a half was not easy. It was a library that had seen me grow, both professionally and personally. It held memories, friendships, and a sense of familiarity that had become woven into the fabric of my everyday life. But as much as it offered comfort, it also held me in place.

Moving from one library to another wasn’t just a change of scenery; it was a deliberate choice to push myself, to grow beyond the boundaries I had known. The decision to commute 75 miles each way was daunting, but it was also a testament to my commitment—to my work, to my growth, and to providing a better future for my family.

That commitment has been tested many times. Life has a way of presenting challenges that we cannot control, and the real test is how we respond. What I faced with my vehicle wasn’t just a breakdown—it was an unraveling. A cascade of issues that stretched beyond a single fix. It became a debacle—a tangled mess of mechanical failure and financial strain that threatened to upend everything I had built.

In that moment, I chose to stand tall and ask for help. Libraries are known for their ability to leverage resources and provide support to those seeking knowledge, guidance, and connection. I found myself doing the same—leveraging my resources, leaning into my community, and learning to ask for help.

The GoFundMe campaign I launched wasn’t just about solving a practical issue; it was about preserving the momentum I had built, continuing my creative journey, and sustaining the livelihood that supported my family. It was a moment of vulnerability met by the kindness and generosity of others. That experience reaffirmed the power of community support and the courage it takes to lean on others when the weight becomes too heavy to bear alone.

Amidst these trials, my art continued to grow. From various art shows I’ve participated in over the years to tonight’s Concealed Revealed Art Auction, where Stand Tall will be featured to support the YWCA of Northeast Kansas—each show is a testament to resilience and the drive to create despite adversity.

But giving back is not only about sharing my art. It’s about creating a platform for others. Through Echoes in Ink, I’ve focused on #GivingBack by offering my work and my journey as a source of encouragement and inspiration. It’s about standing tall, not just for myself, but for others who may be struggling to find their own path forward.

All of these experiences have not only shaped me but have aligned with the Strategic Plan at my library—a framework built on principles of accessibility, engagement, and community support. As I continue to grow, both as an artist and a professional, I see how these values intersect. Leveraging resources, building connections, and creating pathways for growth are principles I strive to uphold in my own journey, mirroring the very mission of the library.

This journey, with its chaotic turns and moments of quiet order, has aligned itself in ways I couldn't have predicted. The echoes of purpose and growth continue to resonate, guiding me through each new challenge.

There are days when the drive feels long and the demands feel heavy. But every mile traveled has been part of a greater pursuit—an ongoing commitment to my work, my art, and my purpose. I didn’t leave one library to abandon the past; I moved forward to embrace something new, carrying the lessons and experiences of those 14 years with me. They remain part of who I am, even as I continue to forge my path ahead.

Explore more of my work and ongoing journey at JoeyEmbers.org.

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