Sept. 11, 2001

Born of hoplessness

On this day of incredible tragedy through senseless destruction, may we respond with faith rather than fear. I belong to ActivistSanDiego which aims to bring about social justice. Martin Eder included this statement in a newsletter today:

Terrorism is born of hopelessness. It is an unnatural state of affairs. A social order that has closed the doors on dignity and the possibility of democratic participation is a breeding ground for individualistic and suicidal desperation. A society full of cruelty will produce cruel offspring. A society based on class hierarchies, racial divisions, religious discrimination and national oppression will have no peace. There is peace born of justice and equality. There is also the peace of repression and dictatorship, but this is always a temporary peace.

We, who have recovered from addiction, understand hopelessness and know how unnatural it is. Our hopelessness was such that, with grace, we could see a way out and were able to take it.

I believe that the events of today signal great change and in those moments of change is the opportunity to affirm life and love. I know that we can hold for peace, in ourselves, in our families, in our neighborhoods, in our country and in our world.

Fear and rage are so tempting! We who have recovered know them too.

My vision today is the world surrounded in love, light and peace.

Love, peace and abundance,