"If we could read the secret history of our enemies we should find in each man's life sorrow and suffering enough to disarm all hostility."
~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow
Anytime we
consider someone an enemy, may we pause, remember this quote, and reflect on its message.
I believe it's true. This person, that person, that group, even those who say they hate us... if we knew their sorrow and suffering, if we felt their pain, is we walked in their shoes, our hostility would be disarmed.
If that is so - even just possibly so- why not choose to let go of our hateful thoughts? Why not seek to understand? Why not stretch to care? Why not offer
compassion? Why not give love to every one and every place where we see suffering?
What do we have to lose besides self-righteousness?
At the heart of every creed and culture, as well as in our own hearts, there is a call to love.
May we listen. There is so much to gain.
For peace and
healing,
Charlene
