The views expressed on this page are soley those of the author and do not
necessarily represent the views of County News Online
text
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 )


 
senior scribes
senior scribes

County News Online

is a Fundraiser for the Senior Scribes Scholarship Committee. All net profits go into a fund for Darke County Senior Scholarships
contact
Copyright © 2011 and design by cigs.kometweb.com