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What if we stopped for one day?
May I suggest a
sacred day devoted to the children of the world?
By Beverly Hughes
Senior Scribe
So many are crying, shocked and crying, angry and crying, praying while
crying. American flags were ordered at half-mast. A
football team held a moment of silence. A movie premier was
canceled. Some, shuddering, have taken down their festive holiday
lights.
We are shaken and saddened. However, most people will go on to
finish their holiday shopping and enjoy their parties. We
probably should.
But what if one day
One sacred day
One devoted day
You and me...
everyone in the country,
everyone in the world,
at least,
what if every God-worshipper stopped?
What if we stopped for one day? Please stop for one day.
Stop to look for peace. I mean, really look.
What if?
What if we put aside our own comfort and schedule for one day?
What if we grew quiet and tried to listen for the heartbeat of the
world?
What if we did more than light a candle? What if we resisted
watching the news for an hour? What if we withdrew for a day and
refused to belch out our own opinions about this horror?
What if we purposefully engendered hope? What if we actively led
or participated in a hopeful activity...for a dedicated
day?
What if we gave up a meal or three to discipline our bodies and minds;
to submit or yield (oh, those despised words!) to a possible spiritual
enlightening? When did you last fast for a higher purpose?
Could we tolerate a hushed day of absorbing and carrying on behalf of
others, even unknown others, their fear and pain? Could we bear
with the bereaved families - their shock, questions, regrets,
anger? Could we contain the trauma of young first responders to
the bloodbath? Could we even imagine the conflicts within the
family of the murderer?
Would the world still go on if we stopped for one day to truly
pray...just pray without any demands for answers...just pray for
others? Dare we believe there is an Almighty God Who may
hear? Dare we ask for deliverance from the evil that creeps among
us and inside of some of us? Dare we remember that we are only
dust and the control of the world is not ours?
What might a Sabbath Day secure? What might a Holy Day
bring? A long draught of cool water, a deep breath of mental and
emotional release, a clarity of self and relationship, a suddenly
annointed purpose, hope without alloy, a breakthrough, answered prayers
for Connecticut?
Perhaps tomorrow is Sunday, a reasonable Sabbath Day. Or
Christmas Eve – yes, a day of anticipation. Could it also be a
day of prayer for peace? Or perhaps New Year’s Day – what a great
day to start anew with good-will.
Will you join me?
Beverly Hughes ( 12.15.12 )
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