Black vs White and #LoveWins

June 28, 2015 — #LoveWins, compassion, Mother Emmanuel, shooting

White House

The United States is reeling from yet another mass shooting. The prayer group interrupted by violence is etched into the soul of the country, no matter where we live, no matter what our own religious affiliations. The idea that sanctuaries are not safe is a chilling reminder.  While the world watched the church showed the meaning of Christianity and compassion.  The city of Charleston displayed solidarity and strength in the face of the tragedy in one of the most significant structures in town.  This flow of forgiveness and faith witnessed from the victims’ friends and families has been powerful in its simplicity.  They managed to overcome the natural feelings of betrayal and loss by practicing what they preach.  They defer judgement to God and pray for peace that surpasses all understanding.  I am overwhelmed with gratitude to the congregation of Mother Emmanuel for teaching the country how to mourn, and how to move past sorrow into great compassion. We all need to heed this lesson. These people seem like saints, and indeed they may be. They have a powerful message of hope for us.  Nothing is black and white. Nothing is really even under our control. Remember the first commandment when you think you might need to right some wrongs…this is clearly not your personal job.

Meanwhile, right before Gay Pride Weekend in many parts of the country, same sex marriage has become the law of the land.  With rainbows flying and floating and projecting everywhere the party to celebrate these new civil rights began.  The rainbows appeared early in the morning on Friday and by nightfall the projected rainbows fell on buildings and natural wonders of the world.  Other countries celebrated with us by lighting structures to tweet with the hashtag #LoveWins.  Twitter supplies a rainbow heart for each #LoveWins, adding to the colorful festive digital fiesta.  I found the switch from our black and white racial and political divides to an all out rainbow nation to be refreshing.  We need to have a reason to be proud, to embrace the happiness of others, and to actually celebrate equality.  Rainbows signify our diversity and our harmony.  Let us keep the faith that this nation still has the spirit and the will to make sure that #LoveWins in  our future.