Be the ones who unite rather than divide

Could there be any more crises at this moment in time? Perhaps I shouldn't even ask that question!

The Middle East, Ukraine, Hurricane Helene and then Hurricane Milton have all waged their wrath against us in an untimely perfect storm. The world, as we know it, is suffering from these pains – and so many more.

As Milton was about to pummel most of Florida, I had the privilege and honor of blessing the local ambulance teams and their partners from West Virginia, as they made their way to the ravaged shores of the not-so-sunshine-state, where they would offer medical assistance and provide as much support as humanly possible to those in need. It is an honor to witness heroism in action and to serve in this small way.

The words of Pope Francis echoed in my mind, as I recalled his thoughts from a few years ago. “To emerge from this crisis better than before, we have to do so together; together, not alone… Not alone, because it cannot be done alone…” While he was referring to the COVID crisis, these words apply to us today.

Regardless of the faith tradition you subscribe to, truer words were never spoken. Our world continues to get smaller every day; we are all interconnected, as the Buddhist monk, Thich Nhat Hahn, constantly reminded us before his time on earth was ended.

The sooner we embrace the diversity that we live within, the quicker we break down barriers; the more we seek to establish inclusivity rather than exclusivity, the faster and easier it will be to resolve some of the world's issues – complicated though they may be.

Our interconnection and understanding of mutual suffering just might be the catalyst for our healing. Through the troubles affecting so many, we may come to understand that every time we emerge from a tragedy or crisis, we change. We are not the same as we were when it began. Why then, do we believe that in the aftermath, life should be the same, that we should be the same?

Will we be better than before the crisis or worse? More generous or less? The choice of outcome is up to us. What will we learn, in the depths of our soul? Will we grow in compassion, mercy, forgiveness and empathy or will we not? Will we renew our efforts to bring healing and wholeness to those who are at the breaking point or will we cling selfishly to unloving choices? Will we recognize our unity or will we continue to see “others.”

I believe that every struggle, every crisis, every tragedy teaches us something. Something good. Something generous. Something welcoming. Something that helps us serve better, be better.

In these difficult days, let us be the ones who unite rather than divide, build rather than destroy, heal rather than hurt and reach out rather than retreat. As people of many faiths, let us realize there is no “other.” There is only us.

The Reverend Dr. Deborah Darlington provides spiritual support to people of many traditions and seeks to serve the highest good of all. She can be reached for celebrating rites of passage and for inspirational speaking at GraceMatters@TheSpaceForGrace.com.