The scripture from the book of Numbers is one of my favourites. I felt appreciation as I read the article on the meaning of Shalom. My prayers have been for understanding and tolerance, and comfort. I know people like to blame religion but I think all the strife has to do with greed, fear, needing to be right and the lower aspects of human nature. We can all do better.
Frightened, angry people who feel threatened by people who are “Not Like Me” have probably always been part of every diverse group of human beings. I suspect they usually keep to themselves, maybe expressing their bigotry or racism or misogyny or any type of intolerance vocally among eye-rolling family or small groups of like-minded friends. But I think they take this kind of violent action only when their opinions are reinforced through Authority’s bullhorn. That bullhorn might be wielded by an organization or a single leader, but wherever that encouragement comes from, it must stop. We have to stand up against it. Our best tool today is our vote.
Thanks for commenting Sue. Even though I often feel so useless in being an agent for change during these events – I am but one voice – there are indeed many ways to stand up against this madness – here in the ‘free world’ our vote is one of many tools in the toolbox, for sure. I was reminded at Marty’s blog https://snakesinthegrassblog.com/2018/10/31/st-augustine-vigil-for-victims-of-pittsburgh-shootings/ about the Jewish tradition of doing a Mitzvah…to counterbalance the darkness in this world…that is another tool in the toolbox.
I remember being shocked at the Charleston Emmanuel AME Church shootings because the shooter just walked in on a bible study, the people welcomed him in and then he began the shooting. And it was in the same state we live in and that racism is so overtly rampant in our ‘free world’ society. Here, worshipers being slaughtered in their own synagogue – the same issues with safety, but again, also, witness to the rise/resurrection of overt anti-semitism in this our ‘free world’ society.
🙁
Hi Laura! So appropriate. How does this hate still exist over religion after all this time? Have all those deaths and wars been for naught? Who even cares if you believe in God or some other deity or none at all? How does what someone else believes impact you. I just don’t get it. It puzzles me and makes me heart hurt for all those impacted. It also makes me pity those with small minds and closed hearts. Maybe we can teach our children that being different is okay. Maybe. I have to hold on to that hope. Happy Halloween! ~smile~ Roseanne
Thank you for such a (he)artfelt comment, Roseanne.
On a lighter note, I noticed your reference to Halloween – while not my favorite ‘holiday’, the dressing-up-as-?-slice of it does seem to epitomize the concept of ‘being different’ and yet accepted.
peace
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L. Marie
Well put, Laura. Definitely praying for peace for that congregation and for us all.
It’s the utter senselessness of it all.
🙁
The scripture from the book of Numbers is one of my favourites. I felt appreciation as I read the article on the meaning of Shalom. My prayers have been for understanding and tolerance, and comfort. I know people like to blame religion but I think all the strife has to do with greed, fear, needing to be right and the lower aspects of human nature. We can all do better.
Yes, indeed, I do agree with you, Jane.
Thank you Laura .We are praying for the peace of Jerusalem for every country in the world.
Amen – Selah – Shalom Aleichem
Perfect and succinct.
Thank-you, Marty.
Frightened, angry people who feel threatened by people who are “Not Like Me” have probably always been part of every diverse group of human beings. I suspect they usually keep to themselves, maybe expressing their bigotry or racism or misogyny or any type of intolerance vocally among eye-rolling family or small groups of like-minded friends. But I think they take this kind of violent action only when their opinions are reinforced through Authority’s bullhorn. That bullhorn might be wielded by an organization or a single leader, but wherever that encouragement comes from, it must stop. We have to stand up against it. Our best tool today is our vote.
Thanks for commenting Sue. Even though I often feel so useless in being an agent for change during these events – I am but one voice – there are indeed many ways to stand up against this madness – here in the ‘free world’ our vote is one of many tools in the toolbox, for sure. I was reminded at Marty’s blog https://snakesinthegrassblog.com/2018/10/31/st-augustine-vigil-for-victims-of-pittsburgh-shootings/ about the Jewish tradition of doing a Mitzvah…to counterbalance the darkness in this world…that is another tool in the toolbox.
I can’t even begin to understand something as tragic as this, Laura. Praying for peace.
I remember being shocked at the Charleston Emmanuel AME Church shootings because the shooter just walked in on a bible study, the people welcomed him in and then he began the shooting. And it was in the same state we live in and that racism is so overtly rampant in our ‘free world’ society. Here, worshipers being slaughtered in their own synagogue – the same issues with safety, but again, also, witness to the rise/resurrection of overt anti-semitism in this our ‘free world’ society.
🙁
Hi Laura! So appropriate. How does this hate still exist over religion after all this time? Have all those deaths and wars been for naught? Who even cares if you believe in God or some other deity or none at all? How does what someone else believes impact you. I just don’t get it. It puzzles me and makes me heart hurt for all those impacted. It also makes me pity those with small minds and closed hearts. Maybe we can teach our children that being different is okay. Maybe. I have to hold on to that hope. Happy Halloween! ~smile~ Roseanne
Thank you for such a (he)artfelt comment, Roseanne.
On a lighter note, I noticed your reference to Halloween – while not my favorite ‘holiday’, the dressing-up-as-?-slice of it does seem to epitomize the concept of ‘being different’ and yet accepted.
peace
Well put, Laura. Definitely praying for peace for that congregation and for us all.
Selah