The world looks broken.
Six locations across Paris were targeted late last Friday. 39 people were pronounced deceased after four attacks at local bars, cafes, and restaurants around Paris. These attacks all occurred within a 15 minute time frame. Suicide bombings outside of the sports stadium in Saint-Denis followed, taking the life of one bystander. France was playing Germany at the time of the attack. The stadium was evacuated following three explosions within a 32 minute period. The deadliest attack took place within Bataclan concert hall. 89 people lost their lives as three attackers with assault rifles entered the venue, opened fire, and took audience members hostage. Eagles of Death Metal, a blues rock band from California, had been performing. Paris is now in a national state of emergency. This has been described as the worst attack in the city since World War II.
Beirut, Lebanon held a national day of mourning Friday after two suicide bombers took the lives of at least 43 people. The bombers were seen on motorcycles located within a commercial and residential spot in the area. The attack occurred during the evening at the gates of a school.
A suicide blast and a roadside bombing killed 26 people in the Baghdad suburb of Hay al-Amal last week. Attacks in Baghdad have become almost a daily occurrence. Civilians have felt the worst of the attacks.
Throughout this, refugees are desperate for asylum, soldiers are selflessly risking their lives for the well-being of others, and global poverty is rising.
The world looks broken.
It’s hard to see past the heartbreak and suffering, especially at such an influential level. The grief that is present seems to swallow you up as its identity becomes more apparent with each passing day. It appears almost impossible to see any light at the end of the tunnel, but as Martin Luther King Jr. said:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”
It is during these times that we should embrace our neighbors. We should treat each other with the compassion that is needed to hold our cracking foundation together during these times of distress. Go about your day reaching out to others, showing kindness, and being absent of judgement or hate. Hold your loved ones close, not only tonight, but every night.
Do not lose sight of the beauties throughout the globe. Remember, humanity is only darkened by those who contribute to the iniquity. The everyday moments of kindness and love are often lost in the sea of violence and hate. Look for the positive aspects, and build on the goodness throughout.
This world is a wonderful place; pray for its healing.
