Musing on: ‘If you come across your enemy’s ox or donkey wandering off, be sure to take it back to him. If you see the donkey of someone who hates you fallen down under its load, do not leave it there; be sure you help him with it.’ Exodus: 23:4-5
This is Malachi from Lowestoft who wrote: ‘I’ve been growing my hair this past year, and have now decided to shave it off for a good cause….. to me this is the James Paget Hospital Ambulatory department as they cared for my Nan for the 18 months before she died, last year.’
Yesterday he had his hair shaved off; so far he has raised over £500 in memory of his Nan…
This is Andrew from Manchester. Following the terrorist attack on the mosque in Christchurch in 2019 he stood outside his local mosque holding a cardboard placard bearing the handwritten message: “You are my friends. I will keep watch while you pray.”
Much had been said about Muslims; Andrew, a committed Christian, said, ‘I thought, what would it feel like as a Muslim going to prayers today? I would feel a mixture of enmity and even fear… I picked up a card, wrote my message, went down to my local mosque at Barlow Road and stood outside.’
We’re constantly told what we can’t do in lockdown. Despairing moans fill our ears – and make us feel worse. With thought, creativity and determination we can find good things to do, that demonstrate support, care, kindness and compassion.
Two ordinary people – a teenage lad from Lowestoft, a man in his fifties from Manchester remind us… There may not be too many donkeys around, but we’re all capable of the unexpected act of unexpected kindness at an unexpected time…
malcolmsmusings.org 