To the Editor:

I was deeply saddened by the news of the stolen pride flags from Trinity church over this past weekend. My immediate thought was, what can I do? Then the next thought: can one person really make a difference? Intolerance is a global challenge that’s been around for what seems to be humankind’s entire history. It’s a problem that impacts every level of society. It just seems too big. But it doesn’t stop us from trying.

What I have observed over time is that when incidents like this happen, people tend to feel more impactful when they join together and take some kind of group action like a rally or protest or vigil. Whatever form it takes, it usually feels good that we did something. Then we go back to our lives until the next incident happens. What really changes?

For me, the path to long-term change is not out there somewhere in front of me, but within me. I believe the work of changing the world must start by changing myself. I look to the greatest peacemakers to have walked the earth before me, like Dr Martin Luther King Jr, Mahatma Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Desmond Tutu, Mother Teresa, the Dalai Lama, Peace Pilgrim, and so many others. I see a common thread that weaves through them all.

They did the inner work. They did the spiritual work. They became instruments of peace by being peace. They understood simple laws of nature, such as for every action there is an equal and opposite reaction. What you resist persists. What you fight fights back. I believe it’s our primal fight or flight response where this urge to attack the things we don’t want comes from. The great ones have transcended that urge.

There is a well-known story about Mother Teresa. I don’t know if it’s true, but I like it. She was asked to participate in an anti-war rally during the Vietnam era. She replied, “I will not attend an anti-war rally, but if you ever have a pro-peace rally, let me know and I will be there.” The most famous Gandhi quote is: “Be the change you want to see in the world.” MLK said in a famous sermon, “Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Christ taught his followers to love their enemies. In a famous quote from the Buddha, he explains that, “Hate never yet dispelled hate. Only love dispels hate. This is the law, ancient and inexhaustible.”

To me their message is clear. To overcome intolerance, I must be acceptance. To overcome hate, I must be love. Where there is darkness, I must be light. And not just after an incident, but every day. This is not an easy task! With some effort, maybe one person can make a difference. Will you join me?

In peace,

Rev Bill Donaldson

Interfaith Minister

lovehasahome.org