You may have seen in the news that a Dutch church had been holding round-the-clock services for over three months to protect a refugee family from deportation. The church took advantage of an obscure law that prohibits police from disturbing a religious service.
Happily, this week the Dutch government announced the refugee family will no longer be deported, along with a wider amnesty for other asylum seekers.
This news reminded me of something I’ve shared previously: the power of love to change the world.
Sometimes, I wonder if I do a good job of communicating (and remembering) important messages, such as the importance of choosing love and creating a global movement.
When I feel like I haven’t done a good job, I am presented with opportunities to try again. The Dutch church story is one of those opportunities.
In Issue 2 and 15, I shared with you the message from Nantene and Malachor about the power of human beings choosing love – over and over again.
As a reminder, for you and me, here are the highlights of what they have said, now shared in the context of this church’s activism:
“All human beings wish to experience and express more love.When this happens, it is the most powerful force you know, and it is immediately recognizable.
But when the choice for love is made, amazing things do happen, time and time again.
We would like to suggest that if more humans choose love on a regular basis, even more humans will choose love on a regular basis. And most of you can barely conceive of what that would look like! Yet, we tell you it would look beautiful beyond imagining. Many, if not all, of your problems – apparent problems – would disappear, because you would solve them all, together. You would lift each other up as never before.
So we suggest that you find the courage to choose love, over and over again. And allow others to see your choice and to serve as an example to help them make the same choice. That is a movement.” – Nantene and Malachor
This church’s activism inspires me to take action on what I’ve been told over and over again: have the courage to act with love and be part of a wider movement of human beings acting with love.
Does it inspire you? If so, let me know. What are you planning to do with this information? What spiritual activism could you support (or initiate) in your part of the world?
I remember reading The Prophet’s Way by Thom Hartmann many years ago. I was inspired by his spiritual teacher’s instruction to commit random acts of kindness every day, as it’s the most powerful tool available to each of us to change the world. I remember taking some action, every now and then, but I’d often forget. I wish I wouldn’t forget.
To help remember, I’ll start sharing stories like the one above on a regular basis. And feel free to let me know of stories you find or actions you take to express your love in the world.
Louise x
