We are assaulted throughout the 24-hour news cycle by words and images that describe such sadness.
Nation and would-be nation bargain over beheaded journalists in the Middle East.
Nation and nation rattle sabers over prisoners in North Korea.
Basic institutions like schools and hospitals in Gaza explode.
Territorial integrity in Ukraine suffers attacks.
Somalia reels.
The thin skin of racial reconciliation rips in Ferguson, Missouri.
Our families rupture.
And our hearts despair.
Dear Ground of Peace, Justice, and Love: may we walk in the strength of your hope.
Everywhere there are also those standing against despair:
The courageous volunteers and committed health care workers as they expedite the development of an Ebola vaccine.
Over-burdened and under-appreciated peace workers negotiating a cease fire in Ukraine.
Relief workers straining to meet the challenges of refugees in Syria and flood-submerged villages in South Kashmir, and the many others whom they represent
Everywhere there are the signs that we are slowly, slowly learning to stand and live on the ground of peace, justice, and love.
We see a steady expansion of micro-credit
The APOPO organization trains rats that detect landmines and TB in Angola
The SOIL organization in Haiti and similar system-aware groups pursue related objectives like fertility and sanitation,
Advances in science encourage our sense of connection with time and other creatures
Dear Ground of Peace, Justice, and Love: may we walk in the strength of your hope – for your servants are everywhere: good people doing good work.
May we be among them.
May we commit anew to be vehicles carrying peace to the world.
May we commit anew to be workers building justice for everyone.
May we commit anew to be lights shining love everywhere.
No comments:
Post a Comment