Say Something. Do something. Give something.

In the face of pure evil, the risks are greater in NOT being an active witness

Photo of Tehran by Sajad Nori on Unsplash

Last week I had a personal essay all lined up to publish. I was exploring a recent bout of feeling powerless in the face of criticism, perceived rejection. But now? It seems too petty, personal and whiney. We are at war for no purpose, no reason. I can take care of my own inner Child. Once again, we have arrived at the juncture of asking… Is the World ending? Am I being complicit in some way to the cuts in aid to children with HIV in Africa? Is it better to look or turn away? Suddenly, horrifically, this includes hundreds, soon thousands, of innocents in the Middle East (I consider soldiers in that category) to be killed or broken. I’m starting with the horror I am feeling, I bet you are too. I hope that my heart will find solace, meaning, purpose in the face of this. I’m doubling down on donations to those who can help: World Central Kitchen, International Rescue Committee, Doctors Without Borders. It would be hypocritical to NOT consciously be grateful for my own status, safety, a home unlikely to be bombed, stores with food I can afford… this is my best stance against becoming a despondent, self-loathing American. Suddenly aware that our own safety and decency, can disappear in a flash, I choose to accept my abundance, available medical care, the ability to play and create. I choose to have faith that this country can return to a state of goodness, peace, and generosity, both to and beyond our citizenry. I will support those who want to step into this void. Meanwhile, I need to act in their stead. This is my act of defiance.

“My actions are my only true belongings.” Thich Nhat Hahn

My best mentoring comes from the beloved Thich Nhat Hahn. He was running an orphanage and school in Viet Nam during the “conflict.” When the American bombers were heard coming, he would evacuate the children, they would scatter into the jungle, and then he’d sit nearby “holding my face in his hands, praying to not become someone who hates.” He watched his school burn, knew those who were tortured by napalm, killed, his beautiful land destroyed. He was a witness with a purpose. In the midst of senseless injury and greed, be kind and generous. Don’t turn away, but don’t dwell or feel guilty. There hopefully will come a time when retribution arises, and it’s our turn to answer “What did you do when Evil walked the land?”

I always end my essays with a “heart,” my effort to hug you with a personal story. This is a hard one. All I can say is that I am walking my talk. I want to do good in anyway I can. I can give at least “a lunch a month” to the brave, sacrificing organizations who do hug and hold and feed and comfort those being destroyed by my country of birth. I promise to remember the hungry, hurt, in my community. And not turn away from the trauma being re-inflicted on the veterans of the last insane and unnecessary conflagration in the Middle East. As we gather, communicate with our friends, acknowledge our helplessness, rage, and then ask each other what can we do to not live in denial. Walk the talk. Share the light.