By Toni Niemiec
Although I seldom watch the news or pick up a newspaper or magazine, every once in a while I am jostled from the safe haven of my life by news that seems to be too big to be kept out. It leaks in and grabs my attention. The Charlie Hebdo situation is such an event. I have listen to discussions around the various aspects of the situation, seen protests and demonstrations of solidarity on the news, and I have viewed it in my mind’s eye from many perspectives. I notice my emotions rise and fall as I hear and feel the fear, anger, confusion, and sorrow.
Is there righteous rightness in any side? Is there anything which makes taking the life of another right? Does it matter at this point in time? The events have happened, the discussions and debates ensue around the rightness and wrongness of it all.
Today a question arising within me is, “What, if anything, is mine to do?” Certainly it wasn’t my faith that was disrespected, my country in which the violence occurred, my child, co-worker, friend, or me who was murdered for speaking out. And yet, I feel for each one, and going deep into my being I recognize each one within myself. I am a human being and therefore part of humanity I cannot help to be effected.
Because of “Charlie” I am more conscious, more aware, of the pain of righteousness (of the extremist, the satirist, the citizen) and the suffering which results in and from violence. My heart opens with the compassion that is touched and invited through it all.
What is mine to do with all of this? It is an open invitation to each of us…the answers will be different for each who is touched. Has “Charlie” touched you? What do you think?
Thanks Toni! This is exactly what I needed to read right now.