Their words in sympathy, their acknowledgement that hope is also a victim is an important way to respond to tragedy. When they say they are in mourning with the bereaved, and when they pledge to continue their efforts to work nonviolently for a Just Peace, they offer an action that is truly “no more than a teaspoonful.”
Will you take this teaspoonful and spread it, in your own words, to those you know who work for peace and justice? It will feel like a drop in the bucket; it will. When facing waves of retaliation and violence, all actions—large or small—seem for naught. But take action now. Write a message of condolence; make a donation to support those who work for peace and justice. Urge your elected leaders to reflect on their words and revise their approach. Send a picture of beauty, a quote of consideration, an acknowledgement of loss to those you know or hear about.
Without doubt, your action will produce, “an instant calm” over a small space in the heart of those who receive your message. May the calm then “spread amazingly and extend itself gradually till it reaches the lee side,” to quell the waves of violence and bring safety, quiet, and eventually justice and peace.
By Donna Baranski-Walker
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