The recent holiday season was full of hustle, bustle and excitement. For many it could be described as a fun and happy time. But for some of us, there was also loss, sadness and grief.
I know this firsthand. My family’s beloved dog, Minnie died at the beginning of last year. A few months later, my nephew’s fiance Kristina died unexpectedly. I miss them both and have thought about them frequently.
In the news/media, we regularly hear about people who experience loss due to tragic shootings, domestic violence, assault and ongoing war. In February, we had a random shooting in Kalamazoo, Michigan. Eight people were shot and six died. This sad event has affected our entire community.
Since the holidays, I have been thinking about how others cope with major losses and if there is anything we might do to prevent some of these events from occurring. Many people in the Kalamazoo and Battle Creek Area including churches, schools, businesses and organizations have offered incredible emotional support to the family and friends of the shooting victims. There have been prayer vigils, gatherings and public moments of silence. Members of the community were invited to attend the funerals. Community foundations, service clubs, corporations and individuals are helping to raise money for the victims and their families.
When I experienced moments of sadness during the holidays, one of the ways I tried to cope was by focusing on positive memories. I also came across a small book that I had read a few years ago, “Have a Little Faith” by Mitch Albom. It is the heartwarming, true story of Albert Lewis, a Jewish Rabbi in New Jersey who is facing the end of his life and Henry Covington, an AfricanAmerican Pastor in Detroit a reformed drug dealer and convict who preaches and provides assistance to poor and homeless people in a decaying church.
In spite of their differences, Rabbi Albert Lewis and Pastor Henry Covington had much in common. They believed in people and their ability to change. Serving others and building community is important. With faith in God and involvement in something greater than ourselves, miracles can happen. Both men demonstrated humility and showed kindness and respect to all.
I was glad I read this book because I truly was inspired by the message it offers. I believe there is a divine spark in everyone of us. If we talk to one another and genuinely listen, we can learn from each other. In spite of religious, cultural, racial and economic differences, when we show kindness and respect, we can work and live together in peace. Those who have left us, will remain in our hearts forever.
