5.02.2011

thinking

"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that."

Martin Luther King Jr. {* see below}

archived photo :: the alders, vancouver island, july 2009 :: my favourite place to rest + reflect

{* - i saw a link to an article on fb the other day, clearing up what seems to be a widely spread 'fake quotation' -- read here to find out more. apologies for the misquote, but i still find the words comforting, timely and poignant.}

7 comments:

Tiffany said...

After all the negative comments I've been hearing online and at work today - thank you for this.

Needle in a haystack said...

As the mother of an Army Ranger who is currently deployed, I want to thank you for this post. I don't see why we are rejoicing? When my child returns to my arms, then I will celebrate.

Sarah (mrsgryphon) said...

The celebrations have seemed odd to me. Like we've forgotten how hurt North Americans were when, after 9/11, we saw footage of people in certain countries celebrating the deaths of "westerners". I feel no sympathy for him, he was undoubtedly an evil, angry, violent man with little regard for human life, and yet...

katemakes said...

Thank you for sharing this quote. I really could not stomach the "celebrations" on the news today. And having to explain to my kid about 9/11 was tough. I am so happy to live in a democratic country where women are given equal rights - I felt proud, thoughtful, and thankful voting today.

Lynne said...

Thank you for sharing this lovely quote. I agree with the others. The rejoicing had me feeling very uncomfortable today.

lesley [smidgebox] said...

thanks everyone for the lovely comments. i had a hard time with all the celebrating too. it feels weird. and still so unsure. martin luther king jr sure had a wonderful way of words, and an amazing charisma that is just so rare.

Tara Hale (BoutiqueKarma) said...

So true. I'm late reading this, but I found the celebrations very disturbing and didn't sit well with me. I'm glad my children were to young to understand or see it.