As I walked through a rough part of the city almost everything was on display. From the down and out to street walkers to people hawking whatever they could to survive. It is a scene that I have seen repeated all over the world. With variations for culture and preferences, I could have been anywhere. As I watched I realized I only had one emotion, sadness. Within me there was an overwhelming desire to do something to help. I realized I had no idea what I could do beyond offer each my respect as a brother and sister standing as equals in Divinity’s family.
I have lost the rationale to criticize or condemn. Everyone is a victim who has been identified by God as redeemable. As horrific as the scenes are, they are no worse than a community who had everything only to lose their humanity and respect to the point where “they slit the throats of their babies, murdered their infant girls and boys. They offered their babies to Canaan’s gods; the blood of their babies stained the land.” (Psalm 106.38)
I wish I knew the perfect answer to deal with the present as well as those who future lives are at risk. There are things that I can do.
I can always remember that everyone stands equal in front of God. Regardless of her or his station, education, or power, in the beginning, at the end, and along the way, each is a child of God’s.
Everyone, starting with myself, deserved kindness and tolerance in how s/he is judged. Frequently I forget to apply this principle to myself as I reflect. When I do, my ability to see others in the same light as myself begins.
Life is already difficult and fragile. There is no need for me to make it worse. The highest calling one can hear is the call to make another’s life safer, easier, and better.
In the ugliness of this part of the city I rediscover extraordinary beauty. Hope is found and embraced as one shares compassion, forgiveness, and acceptance.
