I was out dancing, having a great time with friends, when I heard about the horrific news in Paris. I thought about it, and realized that the victims were just like me...out on a Friday night, having a great time with friends, in a beautiful city. Any tragic event, no matter where it happens, usually causes the rest of us to take stock of our life and of our beliefs. Immediately after hearing the news, I have to admit, that I got angry. How could such a thing happen? Who were the idiots responsible for this heinous crime? I demanded swift justice for the victims. Anybody who really knows me, knows that I'm not really like that. I'm the frog who practices love, compassion, and forgiveness. Wasn't I? I was beginning to doubt my core belief that all living creatures are one...at least under the skin. The thought that I might not really blieve that, terrified me. It's something I've long-held to be the absolute truth. So I stopped and sat quietly...waiting for the answer to come. And come it did. Like a lightning bolt. My beliefs weren't changing. What was happening is that I was reacting to devastating news, instead of going inward and acting from that core place of love. Coming from THAT place made me no better than the terrorists, After all, isn't that what they were thinking? I don't condone what happened and I sure don't understand it. But what I do know is that there are approximately 7.3 billion humans (and countless frogs) on Planet Earth, and most of them are pretty good people. I find that a comforting thought. The news rarely tells us about all the wonderful things that happen daily. And we never hear about average families, in far away countries (the ones just like yours and mine) that struggle everyday to pay their bills, feed their children, and make a good life for their loved ones. They have friends, practice their religious beliebs and, generally, want exactly the same things that we all want; a peaceful, pleasant life. In other words, they go about their business and never ever think about killing someone who believes differently or has a different lifestyle. For things to really and truly improve, we must go from an "us vs. them" attitude to "we are all one." It won't be easy, especially in light of recent events, but we can do it. And we must. Our future depends on it. No matter what someone looks like. No matter the color of their skin or their personal beliefs, lets try to think of everyone as a brother...a beloved member of our family here on earth. Peace.
1 Comment
Kathleen Foote
11/16/2015 06:25:18 pm
Very moving, Irwin. You know how to hop the hop from a deep and loving place. I am inspired!
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AuthorLand of Lily Pad's first published author. I enjoy writing fun and educational books for kids. My blog is for you parents; the kiddos might like some of them, too. As always, everything I write is family-friendly, so don't hesitate to share my messages with everyone. I hope you find them helpful and maybe even inspirational. Cheers! Archives
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