02 Dec Islam
In my naïve nature, I thought terrorists only targeted big cities- your NYC, Paris, and Londons of the world. San Bernardino and Redlands are dots on a world map where our only reference point is in relation to Los Angeles, so why would anyone want to bother us, make a point of hurting scores of people in a Regional Center whose main directive is to assist and help others?
That changed today. The world knew where we were, even if for a moment. The world knew that San Bernardino is the largest county in the United States with a very diverse group of people. There were probably more facts spewed about San Bernardino today than there have been since its inception as a city.
There were lockdowns that took place all over the IE (Inland Empire). There were scared parents, relatives, and friends from all over the nation and world that wanted, needed to know their loved ones were safe. Scary does not explain it, nor does numbing; there are no words when tragedy hits so close to home.
“Scary does not explain it, nor does numbing; there are no words when tragedy hits so close to home.”
When more ambulances are passed along your route home than you have probably seen in your whole life, when each ambulance is carrying a soul fighting for his or her life, strangers next to them trying to keep that person alive just long enough until the hospital ER team can take over, when defenseless human beings are shot down in cold blood, when you have to explain to your children that there is more love than darkness out there in humans, but we must make safe choices and keep doors and windows locked up, when law enforcement brothers and sisters are risking their lives for the safety of strangers, when you are waiting for your husband to come home so you can let his parents know he is safe, when you are alone in your home with the FBI and Homeland down a few blocks- there are no words. There is energy, nervous energy.
Yet, when I sit still during the storm I feel the love of humanity. Many souls: family, friends, acquaintances, and strangers sending prayers, positive thoughts, good energy, and love all to San Bernardino. Love. Amidst this tragedy, there were more kind people doing good for total strangers than the three terrorists did to cause this situation.
The terror is not always abroad or far from home. Sometimes it knocks on your door, and in that moment you must choose whether you will fight terror with hate, vengeance, rhetoric or keep loving like you were always taught. Taught by your peaceful Muslim grandparents, your loving parents, and numerous uncles, aunts and cousins- all Muslims. I choose love. Terror knocked on my door today and I answered as most Muslims do, with love.
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