In Silence Seek Wisdom to Speak Wisely

My group's schedule has been so busy beginning with early mornings and late evenings so that is why I have not had an opportunity to give an update on the daily activities in Jerusalem.  Yesterday was day 16.  We loaded up our luggage once again and drove to Ramallah.  We went to the Quaker Friends Meeting House where we met an inspirational Palestinian woman and author, Jean Zaru.  Her insights were remarkable and she stated that in Judaism, Islam and Christianity all believe that human beings are created in the image of God.  She said that "if it is believed that I am a child of God that empowers me, then I must confess and work to let everyone know that they too are a child of God."  She further explained that if she truly believes this that it is not acceptable to use any form of violence against children of God. 

She did say that we do need to find a way to resist the injustice by a positive alternative method.  Often times our psychological responses to injustices are maladaptive  and unproductive by such means as withdrawing, accommodating or manipulating.  Withdrawing deprives oneself and their community from transformation.  Accommodating is a way of getting ones needs met but again it doesn't create change.  Manipulating is self seeking for individual interest for power that belittles others and does not create change.

She suggested an alternative way to resist in a nonviolent way.  Her approach is to use faith, psychology and nonviolent resistance that strategically balances power.  There must be a balance of our structures for human rights, dignity and equality for everyone.  Transformation takes place when one stands up, speaks and reacts with non-resistance. 

Zura continued to say that silence is a form of violence and sin because it allows injustices of violence and oppression to continue to happen.  She stated that we need to get involved with the passion of Christ to give a voice to those who are oppressed.

Me being here and a witness to the stories of fear, injustices, oppression and an unbalance of power between people has made me realize that I must go home and share the narratives.  I must give them a voice and share truths of what the media does not convey to the US. 

As I prepare myself to be the voice back home, I must be still and sit in silence with God to give me the insight, wisdom and words of what He wants me to convey.  It reminds me of the Quaker's prayer that says:

Silence
is a natural demand
born of a need for God,
felt by young and old,
in all the world's religions.

In silence we may worship together,
sharing our search for life,
sharing our quest for peace,
sharing God's gift of love.

My reflection is that we need to learn how we can live together by seeking to understand each other by honoring each others life stories, background and circumstance.  Once we understand, then we can be understood which can create peace.  Once we have peace within ourselves, we release God's gift of a deep well of love that can be shared with all.  We become God's light, truth and promises.  He is the way to create unity and have peace here on earth!