Loving the World into Change
(c) 2018 Linda M. Neas
Over ten years ago, a gentle physician, poet and dreamer shared his vision of the world with me. We responded to each other's poetry, shared our philosophies, and encourage each other to keep going when life seemed to put stumbling blocks in our paths. Today, as I sit thinking of what to write that will inspire others to keep moving forward, keep climbing or diving or going around whatever obstacle appears to be blocking the way, I hear his words echoing in my head, "Love the world into change!"
Dr. Maithri Goonetilleke is a physician in Australia. He works in Swaziland with people and communities ravaged by HIV/AIDS. The organization he founded, Possible Dreams International, brings "emergency medical relief to those living with HIV/AIDS, malnutrition and extreme poverty as well as providing sustainable development solutions such as access to clean water, agriculture, income generation and housing."
Maithri and I have never met face to face, but we share a dream that both of us have had for many, many years. This dream is held by other people around the world. We are not alone.
"Love the world into change!" is the call Maithri has championed - one person, one family, one community at a time, until the entire planet feels that Love. The challenge is to keep going, even when those pebbles, rocks and boulders suddenly appear before us that block our path.
Now, at this time in the world, countless people are feeling hopeless, much like the followers of the third-century saint whose feast day many mindlessly celebrate this week - St. Valentine.
Valentine, imprisoned for his beliefs, knew his followers were becoming filled with fear and despair. According to his legend, he sent them uplifting notes signed, "Your Valentine." (In one version, it is said that he used the heart-shaped petals of a rose that grew outside his cell window to write his notes.)
Like Valentine, we need to encourage each other to keep going. We need to remind each other that, as Maithri has said, we can love the world into change. Don't stop, don't despair. Keep loving, even when it feels that your efforts are fruitless. Keep loving, even if you never hear a thank you or receive recognition. Keep loving, because we are the Valentines of this time and this place.
"Love the world into change!" We can do it...together!
Maithri and I have never met face to face, but we share a dream that both of us have had for many, many years. This dream is held by other people around the world. We are not alone.
"Love the world into change!" is the call Maithri has championed - one person, one family, one community at a time, until the entire planet feels that Love. The challenge is to keep going, even when those pebbles, rocks and boulders suddenly appear before us that block our path.
Now, at this time in the world, countless people are feeling hopeless, much like the followers of the third-century saint whose feast day many mindlessly celebrate this week - St. Valentine.
Valentine, imprisoned for his beliefs, knew his followers were becoming filled with fear and despair. According to his legend, he sent them uplifting notes signed, "Your Valentine." (In one version, it is said that he used the heart-shaped petals of a rose that grew outside his cell window to write his notes.)
Like Valentine, we need to encourage each other to keep going. We need to remind each other that, as Maithri has said, we can love the world into change. Don't stop, don't despair. Keep loving, even when it feels that your efforts are fruitless. Keep loving, even if you never hear a thank you or receive recognition. Keep loving, because we are the Valentines of this time and this place.
"Love the world into change!" We can do it...together!
Comments