Love and Hope

I have been following Human of New York's recent feature on the Middle Eastern refugees seeking asylum in Europe. Stories of despair and stories of people holding on although they have already lost too much. People who had to make a decision whether to take a chance with an overcrowded boat or stay behind to face their children's slaughter. People who have so little yet taken advantage of by human traffickers. What prepares people to face such trauma? What gives them strength to hope? How can they recover?

A couple of days back as I was reading the latest HONY post, Like I Going To Lose You came over the radio.  The song speaks of the same fragility that these refugees are face with. I wondered whether they had the chance to love that one final time before their love was lost. I wondered whether they would have gone ahead to love if they foresaw the cards life death them. Life can be so raw.

I know of friends who question if it is right to bring children into such a dangerous world. Isn't it a selfish and irresponsible act? I have also asked similar questions before parenthood came my way. The truth is that it is a form of self-indulgence and yes parents do take the risks that their children's lives may be full of challenges. But life and love is compelling. Life leads us to love, and love leads us to hope.

There is hope when families cling on to each other even if they lose everything else. The  memories of their love and sacrifices for each other give hope and builds faith for others who read their stories. Such hope frustrates oppressors and hate-mongers. Like lanterns, their hope lights up the darkest path for them to journey on through uncertain times, even if they are left behind by their loved ones.

Our love echoes God. Love and hope defeats hatred, selfishness, indifference and fear.

The Spirit of God has made me; the breath of the Almighty gives me life.  ~ Job 33:4