Once in a while, you might hear some news that scares
or angers you, even if you’re trying only to put your
attention on what you want instead of what you don’t
want. These are thoughts that came after learning about
the terrorist attack in Paris.
“What if you held a war, and nobody came?”
Compare these two people:
One feels special and cherished, smart, safe,
empowered, free, respected for his choices,
financially rewarded for contributing his talents
and unique gifts, busy doing what he loves,
a valued part of a family and community that is
valued in his country and the world.
The other feels alone, rejected, objectified,
hated, threatened, disenfranchised, bored, the
object of prejudice and violence, powerless to
earn a living doing anything legal, disadvantaged,
an unwelcome part of a family, or part of a family
or community that is unwelcome in his country and
the world.
Which one do you think is more likely to be attracted
to finding a sense of importance and belonging by
joining a violent gang or a terrorist group?
What if, instead of responding to terrorism with a
campaign of violence, a community or a nation responded
by welcoming, respecting, loving, and celebrating
everyone, especially those at risk? What if everyone’s
birthday was equally celebrated?
What if nobody wanted to join a terrorist group because
they were busily and happily doing something else?
I found this story inspiring:
http://sputniknews.com/interviews/20141205/1015545942.html
If you have “yeah, but…” thoughts about the role of
Islam in terrorism, I recommend this letter:
Your creative thoughts about creating a safer, happier
world?