Love and light

More than ever, we need to live with courage and compassion

As I reflect on the US Presidential result and, again, on Brexit, I find myself drawn to these two words: love and light.

First, more than ever, the world needs people to embody love for everyone. And I mean everyone.

Primarily, our love should be focussed on the vulnerable and the marginalised. But our love mustn’t stop there. It must extend to those we disagree with. Even our enemies.

Loving others doesn’t justify their words or actions — it forges the posture of our own heart. If we allow hate to take root in our hearts, we become part of the problem and not the solution.

Second, we must unashamedly both bring light and shine light into darkness wherever we see it. Whatever form darkness takes, we have to expose it through light. We cannot be silent. We cannot be intimidated.

Right now, tragically, some people feel their hate of others has been legitimised.

Lovingly but courageously we need to be a voice for the oppressed.

Lovingly but courageously we must speak truth to power.

Lovingly but courageously we must win over these hearts and minds, one person at a time.

Lovingly but courageously we must insist on kindness and generosity.

Lovingly but courageously we must convince people why diversity and inclusion is better.

We must go to war. But not with weapons that bring about death and destruction; no, we must go war with the weapons of love and light.

Make no mistake though: this will be a fight. History shows us that progress happens step by step. And sometimes, after several steps forward, we take a few steps back again. 2016 has been a year for backwards steps.

Let’s make sure humanity’s next steps are forward.

How?

Love and light. Relentless love and light.

When it doesn’t seem to be making any difference? Love and light.