Dec 2, 2008

"A Little Light Dispels Much Darkness."

Last week's terrorist attacks in Mumbai were another massive link in the chain of destruction terrorists are using to imprison the world in fear. Over 160 people were killed in the seige on Mumbai; Indians, Israelis, Americans, Japanese and Britains all are among the dead. Those left mourning for loved ones in all parts of the world are united by their grief, brothers and sisters in bereavement. The question on everyone's mind is, "Why?"

Why were a father and his teenage daughter killed as they pursued deeper spirituality? Why did a young rabbi beloved of non-Jews and Jews alike in the Mumbai community have to watch his wife die before he himself was executed? Why were hundreds of innocent tourists murdered on their vacations? Why were scores of innocent Indians murdered in their home city?

While "why?" is a legitimate question, I don't think it's the right question to be asking. Asking "why?" in the ugly face of terrorism leads to much painful speculation and no constructive action. If we want to do justice to those who have fallen, not just in the Mumbai attacks, but in every act of senseless violence throughout history, we must act. The question that leads to action is, "How?"

How do I make sure this can't happen again? How do I channel my fear and anger into action for a better world? How do I gather people together and empower them to heal themselves and others? How do I do my part in fixing our world?

In times of terror, in times of destruction, when the fat layers of complacency are stripped away from everyday life, this is when the darkness of our world is revealed. And the darkness is revealed in order that we bring our light to it. We have seen some black days here on Earth, but in the blackness is an opportunity for the best of ourselves to shine forth. And the best of ourselves is who we really are - wellsprings of strength, of healing, of change, of love. Don't let fear or, worse, complacency, tell you any differently. Do something. Change a mind. Change a life. Change the world.


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