I commute regularly via Kings Cross Station in London, one of the locations of the 7 July 2005 bombings. We were out in Soho the night of the Admiral Duncan bombing and saw the walking wounded coming out of the end of the road. Suddenly our section of the world was a whole lot less safe. It could happen here. Because it has. A piece of knowledge that gets firmly tucked away in the part of the brain marked "Don't Go There". Because you do have to keep calm and carry on. But you hold that hand in yours a little tighter and give them an extra kiss. And you try to look for the people who are helping so you focus on good not evil.
I’ve walked streets the streets of Paris on French trips with school and long weekends with friends. I can imagine myself there. My thoughts are with all those who've lost loved ones or who's night-out turned into a nightmare and are recovering. That's not to say the other lives and other attacks elsewhere don't matter, it just that there is only so much I can process. I pray for the situations I know about and add a catch-all, "And anywhere else that needs it Lord .. Comfort those who mourn".
Politicians and others use situations like this to score points, advance their own agendas or justify their own prejudices. Hatred and bigotry never solved anything. Real Muslims are the guy at the corner shop, the lady at the bus stop who gets on more slowly when she sees me running so I'll make it, our friend's husband and my mates at work. People who are as saddened by this as everyone else and don't want to be lumped in with a small bunch of extremists. #notinourname. I'm also adding this photo as the people who do this are the people the refugees are running from. The death toll in Syria over the last few years is the equivalent of a Paris every few days.
I totally agree! To say all Muslims are terrorists is the equivalent of saying all white people are KKK members. #abitofeverything
ReplyDeleteDebbie
Some of the comments I've heard on social media have been so depressing, but you're right. It's a small minority. Thank you for such a supportive comment :)
DeleteAfter having taken two trips to Paris this year, I found myself so sad about the attacks. That feeling of lost innocence and the lost sense of security is heartbreaking. I do agree that majority of people can't be lumped in with the radicals of any group. There are bad in every group (look at Westboro Baptist Church, they aren't violent, but majority of Christians don't agree with them at all). Loving each other and becoming more vigilant in watching others backs is all we can do. #abitofeverything
ReplyDeleteSo true. :) It's a small minority, but unfortunately, they're often the most noticeable. As Westboro prove - they're tiny but make such a noise! I love your last sentence, it's wonderful. Thank you for commenting
DeleteI totally agree. The answer isn't to split into factions and tear ourselves apart - that's exactly what ISIS want. The answer is to stand together; all good, decent people of the world of all religions and races and cultures, and to stand against anyone who wants to destroy peace. #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteI remember the London bombings so well as I was on the underground at the time of it. Thanks I was one of the lucky ones who's train was not bombed. I completely understand what you're trying to say hear and I agree. What really made me sad/angered me was the group of muslims who were out celebrating the act of terrorism on France outside Tooting Bec. I really found that shocking and appalling in fact there are no words for it.xx #KCACOLS
ReplyDeleteIt's so hard to not be scared but like you, commuting in London every weekday means I have to try and not think about all the horrendous things that are happening right now. Lots of people are of the opinion of, oh well don't go into London right now, but for some of us that just isn't possible. I was on the underground on the day of the London bombings and it will always haunt me, especially when so much more if it is happening now. I have been so sad and so horrified by the terrorism in Paris. You are so right though, it is an act from sick people, not your average person on the street. Thanks so much for linking up with #TwinklyTuesday
ReplyDeleteI couldn't agree more. It is so sad how acts like this are fueling racism against Muslim communities and some of the comments on social media are very depressing. It is true that acts like this are happening all around the world right now, but it's difficult to get your head around it and I think we can be forgiven for feeling 'closer' to the attack in Paris last week. It is sickening and heartbreaking and my heart goes out to all of those who have been affected by these appalling acts. Thanks so much for linking up with #KCACOLS. I hope you come back again next Sunday x
ReplyDeleteI can also relate to the people of Paris easier because it is a place I know. It doesn't mean we have any less compassion for those affected by terrorism elsewhere in the world. You make a lot of great points here #KCACOLS
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