In the Line of Fire: California and the Middle East
This morning I was watching the news of the latest wildfires in California. After violent storms left hundred homeless in Kansas this week, it is wrenching to see families fleeing neighborhoods, landmarks and beautiful countryside that are, in fact, in the line of fire.
Thinking of that phrase, in the line of fire, reminded me of its usual connotation: being caught in the midst of battle. Battle, war, being another tragedy that sends good people scurrying from their homes in fear.
What a metaphor for us! Californians, Kansans, Afghanis, Iraqis–we are all the same. Our homes, our lives, our families are precious, to be protected at almost any cost. We are lost without them.
Look around you right now, and not just at your material possessions. Count the blessings of your partner, your parents, your children, your extended family and friends, your church or temple or mosque, your neighborhood shops and schools, your favorite park, a special place you go to think or read.
What have you got to lose? I’m guessing it’s a lot!
Today, let’s each consider how losing all that would feel, how it must feel. Let’s recognize our complicity in taking that from others. Let’s see ourselves in every refugee, every victim of violence, every war casualty, everyone who suffers from economic or social injustice, every orphan or widow or prisoner.
How would we feel if we lost everything? What would we miss most? How would we start over? Who would help us?
If like me, questions like that stir your emotions, good for you. Being moved by those thoughts is the first step, but it’s not enough! Today, I encourage you to take action! Do something courageous! Be the first drop in a tidal wave that dowses the wildfires that threaten us!
You are meant to be a Blessing!
October 28th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
Good post.