I feel like the willingness to live in a loving way regardless of outcomes is so important today. I suffer a great deal, and I often feel inadequate and overwhelmed. And yet it is possible to live in loving kindness and beauty even now. Do not let your heart grow cold and hard. Soft, warm heart and soft, warm eyes are more important than ever.
"Every bomb first explodes in the imagination." Jesus knew this, too, when he stated we commit violence toward a neighbor even when we think about doing so. Our thoughts, our imaginations need need to be converted to the mind of Christ. Our lips can speak platitudes while our hearts seek revenge. The Sikhs live the beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
I understand this in a way that I feel personally disappointed in myself. With everything unfolding in this country politically, I have difficulty dealing with people that my partner knows, who voted for this administration. I need an apology or some admission of wrongdoing. They are white men, with money and, so, are left untouched by issues that affect women, or people with brown skin, or people who are poor. I ask, “May I become willing to see them differently or soften my heart towards them.” There’s a lot of anger.
Exactly. And we are taught to see all living things in the same way. This selfish indifference is the foundation of ecocide and genocide. “Taking without regard” is only the beginning. Soon we are addicted to violence for its own sake.
I feel like the willingness to live in a loving way regardless of outcomes is so important today. I suffer a great deal, and I often feel inadequate and overwhelmed. And yet it is possible to live in loving kindness and beauty even now. Do not let your heart grow cold and hard. Soft, warm heart and soft, warm eyes are more important than ever.
You are more than adequate if you’re living with kindness, a soft heart, and soft eyes. 🩷
"Every bomb first explodes in the imagination." Jesus knew this, too, when he stated we commit violence toward a neighbor even when we think about doing so. Our thoughts, our imaginations need need to be converted to the mind of Christ. Our lips can speak platitudes while our hearts seek revenge. The Sikhs live the beatitude, "Blessed are the peacemakers."
MIGHT IT BE... that we are forgetting that we are DIVINE REFLECTION... and so no longer notice ourselves in the face of the other.
Good point, Mary.
I understand this in a way that I feel personally disappointed in myself. With everything unfolding in this country politically, I have difficulty dealing with people that my partner knows, who voted for this administration. I need an apology or some admission of wrongdoing. They are white men, with money and, so, are left untouched by issues that affect women, or people with brown skin, or people who are poor. I ask, “May I become willing to see them differently or soften my heart towards them.” There’s a lot of anger.
First thing we were taught in basic training for military service: “don’t think of ‘them’ as people, but targets, the enemy , threats etc etc.
Exactly. And we are taught to see all living things in the same way. This selfish indifference is the foundation of ecocide and genocide. “Taking without regard” is only the beginning. Soon we are addicted to violence for its own sake.
Of course not. You wouldn’t be able to shoot them.
Yes yes yes. Thanks Cameron.