A Revolution of the Heart

The news of America bombing Iran left me feeling so anxious and frightened. In order to quell my growing anxiety, I started humming:

It’s me, it’s me o Lord

Standing in the need of prayer

Not my brother or my sister

But it’s me O Lord

Standing in the need of prayer

Then I started making up my own words

It’s us, It’s us o Lord

Standing in the need of prayer

It’s the whole wide world Lord

We are standing in the need of prayer

Kings, Bishops, Heads of States

Standing in the need of prayer

It’s Popes, Preachers and politicians Lord

Standing in the need of prayer

Little babies and their Mammas and their Pappas Lord

Standing in the need of prayer

Maybe, in our act of prayer, contemplation, meditation or nothing, we should reflect on how we, the people, can bring about harmony in our homes, streets, suburbs and towns, dorps or cities.

We should start pushing back, by speaking out, by pursuing friendships with people who are different, in looks, religion, and language preference and cultural norms.

Maybe it’s time, we the people, start speaking up……..

While thinking about the concept of a revolution of the heart and  pondering the state of the world;  and while I was imagining a world free of hatred, prejudice and wars…….. Something profound happened.

A Xhosa gentleman, employed as our gardener developed a wonderful friendship with a young woman from Malawi, who happens to work in our home.   Wilson and Emma have developed a strong bond; he dispensed fatherly advice and taught her to speak Xhosa, she in turn, brought joy to his life by treating him like a father.   Yesterday was Emma last day with us, she has decided that she needs to be with her family and friends; to hear the language of her mother and enjoy life in her home village.

A heartbroken Wilson, in bidding Emma farewell, took a moment to pray for and with her.   He asked for God’s protection and guidance as she embarks on her journey home and a happy and joyous reunion with her family.   Wilson ended his prayer by asking God to bring Emma safely back to us  – because we love her.

Emma’s recounting of this interaction had me in tears as well as a heart overflowing with joy, grateful that I am surrounded by folks who “see” each other.

We read and hear about xenophobia and prejudice and hatred, sadly, we never get to know or hear about stories of love, respect and acceptance.

A quiet revolution of the heart happens when we overcome our own resentments, suspicion and prejudice and see past language, colour and creed.  When we look at and acknowledge a fellow traveller and we practise Ubuntu, that beautiful creed; “A person is a person because of other people”

And acknowledge that:

“We are all visitors to this time, this place.

We are just passing through.

Our purpose here is to observe, to learn, to grow,

To love………. And then

We return home.”*

In the act of observing, growing and loving, may we remember to speak words of peace, love and joy and be the bearers of light and hope; offer comfort, forgiveness and understanding!   All the while, not only imagining a better world but striving to make one.

May we all experience a revolution of the heart…