1985 (Part III)

Living in Oklahoma at this point in my life, I woke up yesterday morning with an aching heart as I recalled the events that stunned the US and the world on April 19, 1995 -- the terrorist bomb attack on the Murrah building which claimed 168 lives and injured more than 680 people. No one was prepared for what happened back then. It was tragic, inhumane, and devastating!

As I followed my routine yesterday -- prayed, read my scripture of the day, penned my devotional thoughts, logged onto a social network before getting ready to head out the door -- I saw many status updates relating to the Oklahoma City bombing. They were all dripping with raw emotion. Seventeen years later, people are still grieving over losses and insecurities caused by the selfishness and hatred of some ill-advised individuals.

Interestingly though, an unrelated status update from another contact popped up as I was getting ready to log off. It was a plea for prayer on behalf of a friend of said contact who is contemplating suicide. Still reeling from my close call with suicide by fire, that post caught my attention . . . showed me a connection between my childhood and the bombing in OKC . . . and sent me right back to 1985 in Port-au-Prince, Haiti.

Shortly after my suicidal attempt, I became attuned to all things that were detrimental to life. Whether it was verbal, physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, I automatically equated all oppression with death threats.

Sufficiently disturbed, I quickly developed a keen awareness of any and all troubling events that were taking place in Haiti. The dictatorship of the Haitian government of the time grew increasingly more oppressive, forcing all political parties to swear allegiance to the president and re-confirm him as President for Life through a constitutional referendum. That decision negatively affected people from all walks of life.

Beloved public figures were being shot.
Protesters began marching all over the city.
Clergymen began speaking openly against Baby Doc.
Artists of all types were producing politically-charged works.
It was becoming obvious that the Duvalier regime was crumbling.

A strong sense of unrest and uneasiness invaded my chest. Though it was difficult for my 10-year old mind to determine the gravity of the political situation, I knew enough to feel afraid of the potential threat such a heated political climate posed to the lives of many, including those of family members.

Without diminishing the depth and scope of the tragedy that took place in OKC, I dare say that I saw a concerted effort within the Haitian people, back in 1985, that was echoed by Oklahomans as they banded together to face and combat oppression as a united front. It was that unity that gave them strength and courage to overcome insurmountable and heart-wrenching trials.

I was comforted by that unity.
I was challenged to seek harmony.
I was convicted to belong to a covenant.

Father, forgive me when I selfishly abuse and oppress others. Help me to thank You for creating an environment where I was exposed to the riches of Your grace. Thank You for placing inside of me a strong desire for fellowship and unity with others. Thank You for fashioning human beings in a manner that fosters the greatest and best results when they work in harmony. Help me journey joyfully with other followers! Amen.