Last Friday, as the shocking events were unfolding in Paris, citizens there launched the hashtag #PorteOuverte (which translates to #OpenDoor) on Twitter to offer shelter and safety to those stranded in the city. Taxi drivers turned off their meters and offered free rides to all who needed them. Strangers opened their hearts to each other, comforted each other. They showed light and love in the face of unspeakable terror.
The events of 9/11 inspired the same responses.
To my generally optimistic nature, this is how the majority of people around the world feel about helping each other. No one stops to question the race, religion or political affiliation of the person they are reaching out to help in that moment. Unfortunately, it is often only through disasters of epic physical or emotional proportions, that we hear about such acts of kindness. Let’s continue to try to keep the conversation going.
How would you feel if everything you held dear to you was violently stripped away and you were forced to flee to with nothing … to where … ?
It’s an unfathomable thought to most of us but a reality to many others, as we know. I hope we can keep our doors and hearts open to this.
There is an evil darkness in our world that must be defeated. Every small role we play to making this happen will help.
The young French artist, Jean Jullien, who created this now iconic graphic was expressing the feelings of his heart. It will never lose the power of its message around the world now. His heartfelt words in an interview with Slate, ‘And just because this is what I do, I draw, I reacted graphically, just drawing something spontaneously with pen and paper and then sharing it as a raw reaction, the artist told Slate. ‘With so much violence and tragedy – we just want a bit of peace.’
My love for France is no secret but my hope for peace, love, understanding, acceptance … and let’s add laughter to that … is for the world. I have a sense it is your hope too.
Lovely article Patricia. I am so distressed and saddened by all the hatred and senseless violence. And the pride these terrorists take in this evil work they do. Last night on CNN Anderson Cooper interviewed a young girl (22) and her boyfriend who survived the shooting in the club. She said how, when she thought she was going to die, she started telling everyone around her and everyone she loved that she loved them — because she wanted to die with love in her heart. It was the most beautiful, moving statement I’ve ever heard. And there’s such a wonderful lesson there — we need to re-learn how to LIVE with love in our hearts, too.
Oh Fransi, that’s such a touching story. Thank you for sharing it here. You are so right about the distress and sadness we all feel. It’s so hard to understand how people can hold such evil in their hearts and be so warped in their beliefs. We have to keep trying to live life in the best way and reach out to others. I know you do.
I’ve nothing to add to that. Beautifully put. Thank you.
I agree!! I have many wonderful friends in France, and it was a heart stopping evening for me! Thankfully , they are all well, but I will continue to worry about them – I love them very much!!
A beautiful response to unspeakable events?
Only cowards perform such horrific acts. Heros perform acts of kindness to total strangers. I for one, stand with the heros. I stand with you my dear. Let’s let out lights shine and keep our hearts open.
Patricia Rickrode
w/a Jansen Schmidt
I’ve thought of you this week as the tragedy in Paris unfolded. The events shook me and I believe, most everyone, to their core. Most of us love Paris and cherish the time we’ve spent there and always look forward to returning.
I’ve thought of you this week as the tragedy in Paris unfolded. The events shook me and I believe, most everyone, to their core. Most of us love Paris and cherish the time we’ve spent there and always look forward to returning.
Just shows that even in the darkest of times there is some humanity and goodwill among people.