On the side of love
Tuesday, August 3, 2010 at 2:26PM Church-sponsored hate has always confounded me. It's one of those disturbing contradictions that stews in toxic belly juice and makes me boil with disgust and anger until I realize I'm frothing with the same hateful brew that riled me up in the first place.
See how that works: hate breeds more hate.
So, when I stumbled upon a post by one of my favorite bloggers conscripting an army of love to face a battle of hate, I thought: "Sign my family up. That's a crusade we can join."
If you're one of those who don't follow links, let me give you the short version: Karen Walrond, of Chookooloonks, went apoplectic after she read a news story about a Florida church planning a Quran-burning event on the anniversary of the 9/11 attacks.
She ranted and raved, went blind with rage, then - and here's the awesome part - turned hate on its head. No noisy protests or angry letters to the church. Karen, a ridiculously talented photographer, plans to "photobomb" the church with images of peace and she asked her readers to help.
Because the kids don't have cameras, we filled the table with construction paper, markers, glue, stickers, scissors and such and set about creating peace.
"We talk about peace at yoga," Desmond informed me. "Oh," I thought. "What does it mean to you?" I asked each of them.
"Peace is when you're happy and you stay together and when you love," Esme said. "Peace is also making new friends."
"Peace is kissing and hugging," Josephine said.
He still can't talk, really. But he sure can draw some love.
Desmond thinks peace is loving your Mama and Papa, a theme Esme picked up on when she came up with another definition: "Peace is doing what your Mama and Papa say 'cause then everyone is happy and you won't shout."
D'oh. Looks like I need to work on filling my own house with peace!
If you want to fill the love box with your own peaceful images, Karen is collecting photos until August 25, 2010. You can find details at her web site, so follow the link! I gave it to you twice now, no excuses.
ALSO: It's been pointed out to me that we made Mercedes logos, not peace signs. A mistake even more hilarious if you know that if I added up the cost of all four cars I've driven in my life, the total would likely buy me half a Mercedes. Maybe even only four tires and a sunroof. Peace out.
Reader Comments (3)
what a great story.
Do good don't look to whom, when or how just do good
"Church-sponsored hate has always confounded me." Agreed! But I'd have to add 'scared' me too.
Love this idea. I hope you send that top photo...you have an advantage with four!
I thought arranging the four of them on the floor was a hoot. At least two of them did NOT agree.
And totally with you on the righteous haters -- frightening!