I light a candle in the darkness,

an inadequate response to a world

wracked by pain,  hate,

division ,  fear, and

violence against those

in our blindness we name “the other”

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My candle sputters and sparks

much like my hearts responses,

wanting to make a difference, but

all the while feeling the darkness

of my own lovelessness…

perhaps I name myself “other”

barricading myself against the others in this crazy world!

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Then a miracle, as scales fall from my eyes

and I see sparks, and sputters all around me….

#lovewins #standtogether….

I am not alone, others stand with me,

before me and behind me

and through us a divine heartbeat strengthens,

we have a common pulse,

voices join together, soft, loud,

anguished, and angry…

+

NO!

No!  there can be no “other”

we are one, even the violent, blind, abusive ones

must be conquered by love….

+

I will light a candle in the darkness,

for my darkness, that all might

become light…

Photo from the Manchester Vigil following the Orlando masacre of members of the LGBTQI Community at Pulse Night Club, one of the many vigils that were held across the world and in peoples hearts as they came together to light a candle in the darkness and pray.