Joining the Vigil, Part 2.
5) Resilience of the Jewish Community.
As I sat there, it was impossible to miss the fact that these atrocities are far too familiar for our friends. Of course, there are people from all walks of life in the community but their unity and care for each other was on full display, a powerful thing I know is missing in many of our lives. This was no ordinary church building, this is a culture thousands of years old. lived out with purpose now and lifetimes in the future, despite their enemies' attempts.
6) Open Allyship.
We are at a point in history where we realize silence and keeping our thoughts to ourselves has been ineffective. For myself and I'm only speaking of myself here, staying on the sidelines, looking away are not options. Prayers alone are not allyship.
Assuming someone else will 'handle' these endless Issues including violence and terror against any marginalized or targeted peoples defies common sense and logic.
I have dozens of friends I trust will share more with me as my journey toward greater understanding continues. This is not the time for my requests. This is time to show up, even if only to offer comfort and support.
7) Loving with Your Whole Heart.
If there's anything I do know from my decades as a child of a minister, in the scriptures, we are here to love, help and do as much good as we can.
Yes, the church leaders present were very clear that these acts of terror will be addressed swiftly. Many people in attendance were lighting candles for those they knew who were lost missing or hurting.
But repeated multiple times throughout the vigil was an equally clear message of love for the innocent people of Palestine who face their own daily horrors under the Hamas regime.
As an adult on this planet, my Maker makes it more clear to me everyday of my responsibility to replace thoughts and prayers with knowledge and action.
You see, I did not need to know the intricacies or the agenda prior to attending this vigil. I only knew my presence was required. There are moments when the voice in our heart simply tell us where to go and we must listen.
The specifics of the myriad crimes taking place and the level of inhumanity and depravity are undeniable.
Whatever your faith, and mine is obviously running thin, the absolute least I can do is support our brothers and sisters, elderly and young who are suffering beyond our wildest imagination. Thankfully, today we are seeing unity in our political leaders here and around the world against these evil regimes and in commitment for our friends in Israel.
My heart is broken for all of us.
On a call with a Jewish client this week, he told me it must take courage to speak up. For me, I couldn't live with myself if I was a coward, not lending my voice and actions. We are all just ordinary people but I always believe what we can do together can be extraordinary.
Sending prayers of comfort and hope. It's all I have for today but am committed to doing more.