Three years and two days ago, one of the world’s largest explosions rocked the beautiful city of Beirut. In the aftermath of the trauma and destruction, an artist constructed a statue using glass and plaster as a reminder to never forget.
As a newcomer to the devastation, I am saddened and hope-filled. The traces of lives and a city touched by the results of extreme neglect leading to a seismic explosive event are still visible. From buildings partially rebuilt to areas where destruction is partially hidden by the resilience of nature, the story remains. As I walked the streets, I imagine what life was like before the evening of the 4th of August 2020. Three years and 1 day later, at the same time of day, I found myself in front of a statue, remembering the TV images and confronted by the unacceptable lack of justice, truth, and reparation.
I am hopeful because of the action of those who care, choosing to remember and work towards a better future. On a personal level, life whispers are shaping how I see today and tomorrow.
Hiding in legal frameworks, or responding with a “it is not me, it is their responsibility” is never the best solution. While frameworks form “the very command(s) that was supposed to guide me into life was cleverly used to trip me up, throwing me headlong” (Romans 7.10), giving me an unacceptable excuse to not respond with kindness and care.
Responsibility is personal even as it exists within a community. There are many ways to participate in the community I find myself in, however, the responsibility to act is not shared. I am responsible and accountable for how I use my freedom. This plays out in each day, candidly, in every moment. As opportunities call out for compassion, love, and acceptance, I can be one of those filling the gap. In supporting and lifting each other, we take a small step towards a better future as a community that respects and cares.
I can respond with light and action to the darkness of yesterday.
