Two recent news stories caught my attention.
An organization matched African orphans with U.S. couples wishing to adopt. Turns out the organization was basically stealing kids from their parents and selling them to unsuspecting couples. The kids, their parents, and the adopting couples were victims of an elaborate child trafficking scheme.
Another organization sells service dogs to assist folks with certain disabilities. Many of the dogs are poorly trained, aggressive, diseased, and unable to perform the tasks for which their owners paid thousands of dollars. No refunds or offers of assistance when the issues are reported.
Am I the only person whose blood boils with anger when I hear stories like this?
People who prey upon the weak, the vulnerable, the elderly, the disabled, just to make a few bucks…my initial reactions aren’t pretty. I want lightening to strike ’em. After their painful illness. In a dark, miserable dungeon.
I also recall sitting for a long time in this spot at the MLK memorial in Washington D.C.
Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.
Nice sentiment, huh? Sadly, not my first thought when I encounter injustice. So I’m faced with a recurring question.
Do I really believe what I believe?
Dr. King advanced a radical, risky notion. He proposed the crazy idea that Jesus really meant what He said, that sacrificial love is more powerful than hate, that violence in the name of peace is insanity. He suggested that we actually follow Jesus’ example.
Of course I believe all that stuff. Question is, do I really believe it? Do I believe it enough to stop wishing pain and destruction for others, even those who do horrible things?
Do I believe it enough to stop hating?
Thanks Rich. I needed this today.