Where is the love?
With the festive season in full swing, it seems everything, except love and compassion have been amplified. Newspaper headlines continue to be filled with the usual social evils that have come to characterise this time of the year, alcohol abuse, increased accidents and fatalities on our roads, rape and murder and the list goes on. Namibians are often quick to remind themselves that we live in a country where the majority are Christians. And as such, this time of the year should be one of love, family and compassion. But a quick look around, one would be forgiven for asking: where is the love? No think about it: if one loved their neighbour like you love yourself wouldn't you then consciously choose to drive responsibly? Our roads have become a blood bath; everyone is seemingly in a hurry.
Many insist on driving with a cooler box filled with alcohol.
There is complete disregard for other road users, and seemingly little concern for the people whose hearts we leave shattered because of reckless driving - the people who have to stand over open graves. The Sunday police reports continue to be filled with brutal murders and incidents of rape, most of it occurring following a drinking spree. It seems even our readers at times become numb to the human lives behind the headlines. It has all become so repetitive. But we shouldn't become numb. We can't afford to stop feelings. Too many families will have to plan for funerals instead of that festive family lunch.
Too many children have already become orphaned this December and we only half way through the month.
There is only so much deterrence the law can do. The solution is us, all of us. We need to return to a place of compassion.
We need to teach our children, our wives, our husbands and our neighbours the importance of being considerate towards the feelings of others, to respect and protect human lives.
But mostly, we need to consciously to act with and out of love. Not just for oneself, but for the people we love.
Anyone who acts out of love, and with compassion, will actively work towards keeping themselves and their neighbours alive this festive season.
Many insist on driving with a cooler box filled with alcohol.
There is complete disregard for other road users, and seemingly little concern for the people whose hearts we leave shattered because of reckless driving - the people who have to stand over open graves. The Sunday police reports continue to be filled with brutal murders and incidents of rape, most of it occurring following a drinking spree. It seems even our readers at times become numb to the human lives behind the headlines. It has all become so repetitive. But we shouldn't become numb. We can't afford to stop feelings. Too many families will have to plan for funerals instead of that festive family lunch.
Too many children have already become orphaned this December and we only half way through the month.
There is only so much deterrence the law can do. The solution is us, all of us. We need to return to a place of compassion.
We need to teach our children, our wives, our husbands and our neighbours the importance of being considerate towards the feelings of others, to respect and protect human lives.
But mostly, we need to consciously to act with and out of love. Not just for oneself, but for the people we love.
Anyone who acts out of love, and with compassion, will actively work towards keeping themselves and their neighbours alive this festive season.
Comments
Namibian Sun
No comments have been left on this article