Well here we go again, I thought last week as huge loss of life in the UK was narrowly averted by a combination of luck, observant people, bravery and training.
My new friend Abdur Rahman has a thoughtful post about this today.
I’m appalled by the tabloid headlines; the glee with which they have seized on the fact that some of those under suspicion are doctors. You can almost sense the editors rubbing their hands together at the alliterative opportunities resulting in headlines such as “Doctors of Death” (The Sun). And who cares if their complete dumbing down whips up a frenzy of hatred and mistrust. After all, they have to sell papers.
I pray that somehow we can move away from violence towards peace. I pray that the violence of a few does not prevent people of different faiths from talking to each other. I pray that I and those I love will be safe going about our daily lives. I pray that our leaders do not continue to respond to terrorism with violence and torture, with unjust wars. I pray that everyone, of every faith and none, will understand terrorism plays no part in the soul of any faith. I pray for a change of heart from terrorists. I pray that we can have the collective vision to change all our hearts and minds. And as Gandhi said, we have to be the change we want to see in the world.
After 9/11, Naomi Shibab Nye wrote a cri de coeur “To Any Would-Be Terrorists” from an Arab-American perspective. It is as relevant today.
{ 5 comments… read them below or add one }
Praying with you…
my prayers are with you and our world.
and thank you for introducing us to abdur rahman.
I am so glad I saw your comment on Abdur’s site. Now I can come and enjoy your site as well. I couldn’t believe 2 of the plotters were doctors! I mean I know we’re not supposed to ever ‘assume anything’, but to think…someone is who takes an oath to save lives!
And Abdur is a real dear…it shows in his beautiful poetry as well. Although I live in California, we have a beautiful friendship. He’s a wonderful human being…the world needs more people as giving as he. Also Mystic Saint and Darvish wordpress are right on mark! Just as soooo many others. The list can go on and on, and of all the different faiths. The bottom line I guess is to put what we think and feel in our hearts to practice (and if it comes from our hearts, it will be love).
Barbara
Peace Tess,
Thank you for the link. Yes, it is a worrying time at present. But, we must continue talking. Otherwise, those who would divide us would have won, and I am not prepared to surrender my humanity to this.
God willing, those responsible will be brought to justice. God willing, the root causes of this sad state of affairs will also be turned around. With God, all things are possible.
Abdur Rahman