When the way ahead seems uncertain, when the news is mostly negative, when we feel powerless to effect change, it is good to remember that we are hardly alone. Not just other people the world over, but all the generations of people who have ever lived have been through times when the future was uncertain, when the news was mostly negative, when they felt powerless to change their future. Those with hope had better odds of surviving, it seems. From the Talmud we hear,
Do not be daunted by the enormity of the world’s grief. Do justly, now. Love mercy, now. Walk humbly, now. You are not obligated to complete the work, but neither are you free to abandon it.
These can be favoured times when life has dignity,
When rule of law and human rights breed liberty;
If justice is pursued,
If truth is not subdued,
If we decide to live in peace and harmony.
Hearken, children, to the sound
A bird dives, screaming, to the ground
Rise out of the water!
Stand up from the water!
Children, children, rise!
We have a vision of the world not yet realised
All: Where they will beat their swords into ploughshares
