We are so small, in reality, in comparison to the world that
arrives on our doorsteps each morning captured in newsprint or the
sensationalized visuals that flash from TV and computer screens. We are so much
smaller than the world that rests in the palm of our hands, blips and beeps at
the touch of a finger and disappears with a swipe, freeing us to go on about
our beautiful days. Our world is so easy to share, observe, mourn and protest;
we can see it all with a click, gather opinions, predictions and insight. But
we have no more power as giants looking into a snow-globe on humanity than we
had as ants when the world was massive and separated by the slow arrival of
news and our vast detachment from conflict.
This devastated me this morning when I read of further
abductions of women and children in Nigeria. How, I wonder, can this also be
the same world I live in, the one I raise my children in, shop in, picnic,
party and pray in? How can differences in safety, peace, opportunity and
dignity be so immense? How can the suffering of another human being not impact
my world, when it fills hearts with anger, desperation, chaos, grief and
despair and adds suffering to humankind? If there is a folly in our making the
world so small it is that we are better able to see the crimes and devastation
beyond our reach and our individual capabilities are no greater than when we were
blind to them. The shrinking of our world has expanded exponentially the
hopelessness we feel and I found myself wondering this morning “what can I
offer to a broken heart, a fearful child or a tortured nation across the world;
beyond learning about their struggle and making whatever supportive choices I
can, where I am, and when I can?”
It feels so ineffective.
My meditation prayer for today:
Take peace, hope and
comfort from my own heart and send it to those who suffer. Send courage to the
fearful and bravery to the hearts of leaders among common men. If this request can save but one, let it be one
who can save another and lessen more the suffering of our world.
Namaste
Love
M
