Room for Love

Room for Love

The recent attack in London by a man who mowed down pedestrians and stabbed a policeman is another heartbreaking reminder that the misguided deeds of even one lost soul can have irreparable consequences. These awful acts send ripples and repercussions of powerful emotions throughout the world. Because we are naturally good, such painful news stirs powerful emotions— shock, anger, sadness, sympathy, revenge. These reactions are understandable- perhaps even justified, but they steal compassion from us by increasing our sense of fear.

Since every feeling we experience can be traced to these two fundamental emotions of love and fear, we must fight to recognize them— and to take a stand for love. Yes, I want so badly to legitimize my anger and sorrow today, to hold up my judgement and revulsion like a shield against further harm; but in doing so, I’m only giving away my power as a peace keeper.

Accommodating antipathy and anger in our hearts adds only to the sad sense of lack which creates discord, making us fearful of each other, and more divided. What is our alternative? How do we make things better? We honor the belief that we’re one world. We lift each other in hope. I pray for the victims, who represent that unity by virtue of their multi-cultural origins and send love to the suffering with many, many prayers. It’s the healing power of prayer, thought, and connection that links us in our humanity and opens our hearts to the opposite of fear: love. Forgiveness is a strong word, one that I’m not ready to yet say— but when I do, with God’s help, and that of other world citizens, I know I’ll be letting go of fear, and making more room for love.