Thursday – 11 September 2008

Today marks the seventh anniversary (1, 2) of the day when innocent people lost their lives due to the actions of radical factions of an otherwise peaceful faith.

Before someone decides to take umbrage at that last statement, consider that many religions, including Christianity, have their fair share of bloodshed – in the name of their god – on its hands, too. So, let’s not jump to “holier than thou” statements.

That said, today we remember the lives lost to a tragic event.

In the words of Lift Ev’ry Voice and Sing:

Sing a song full of the faith that the dark past has taught us,
Sing a song full of the hope that the present has brought us;

There are lessons to be learned from the past.
There are things to be on our guard against in the present.
But one day – through diligence, vigilance and Providence – we will once again see the hope and promise of a better place for ourselves and future generations.

Until that day, do not give into fear.
Do not give into hate.
Do not give into ignorance.

And do not forget the loss and sacrifice of those who died on this day seven years ago.

Namaste.