Tag Archives: Syria

Gratitude, Generosity, Peace

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There was no better day for making the ask. I was reeling from the news in Syria. Both parts of it. Feeling out of control and off center. And yes, I can persist, and I will with my pacifism… but this is a huge and complicated issue and I have no idea what makes sense when nothing make sense.

But we go back to thinking globally and acting locally. There’s a new family coming. Hoping for a new start. So I can ask their new neighbors… and they’ll fill in. And they have

The responses have been extraordinary. Far more than they’ll need, but they’ll keep it for the migrants who are coming. And they will feel empowered and generous as well.

I give thanks for this community and the work we are so willing to do. It helps me trust in Peace.

Staying Faithful to Peace in the Midst of Horror

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The gassing of Syrian citizens yesterday by either national or foreign forces is as heinous as it gets.

To see people being tended, listed only as an identifying number on their heads, because there were too many people helps us understand the devastation. No one should ever be a number — yet in such a situation what can you do?

There are many questions about what we can do to help. And actually, we don’t know much at the moment that could be helpful. But at the very least, we must bear witness.

There is horror. Not to talk about it is to normalize it. To shrink from it is to allow the world to believe we will tolerate such things. We’re waking up. We have to stay, as they’re saying now, “woke.”

Too many died senseless horrible deaths. May those responsible find their sanity and repent. May we all work to ensure that whole-scale slaughter stops. We cannot give Peace a chance if we do not admit that there is war and evil afoot. Peace, no peace. Which will we choose?

OK, Cute Zebu, But What About Syria and Peace?

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I love Dagny’s pictures… and the work she does. She’s a great vet. But I don’t know what more there is to say about this incredibly cute mini-zebu than what I’ve already said. Here’s what I googled about this darling: This little is a mini version Zebu, which Wikipedia describes thusly: “A zebu, sometimes known as indicine cattle, humped cattle or Brahman, is a species or sub-species of domestic cattle originating in South Asia. Zebu are characterized by a fatty hump on their shoulders, a large dewlap and sometimes drooping ears.” Having read this description, I begin to wonder if in fact I’m not aging but rather becoming a Zebu… I’m not sure which option provides more comfort.

So enjoy.

And while you’re doing this, please remember that the Islamic Society of North America has asked that we make this a weekend of prayer for Syria. poor poor Syria. And if you have spare prayers or a still warm heart, think about Palestine and Nigeria and all the other places in the world where war is tearing people’s lives and hearts apart.

We must be a force for Peace. In situations like Syria, I don’t know what that means, but until we know better, let us pray for Peace.

EverydayPeaceFriday19May6

The Bartender and the Priestess Speak from Their Hearts: Syria

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US: Given what’s going on in the world, the Bartender and the Priestess wanted to step away from our regular status format and talk a bit about the Syrian refugee crisis. Continue reading →