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Eye on the World: how neighborliness can prevent tragedy
Several big events captured media headlines this month, among them, the Boston Marathon bombing, and the rescue of three kidnapped women and a child in Cleveland, Ohio. In the case of the Cleveland rescue, a few neighbors, including “Good Samaritan” Charles Ramsey, helped the first woman break free and called authorities.
But in both cases, many people have wondered whether someone close to the suspects might have been able to prevent the atrocities in the first place. Can friends and neighbors be more caring, and more alert to signs of troubling behavior? Both cases suggest that we can all do more to be in touch with those around us.
“Breaking the code of silence” explores how we can all cultivate a more proactive sense of love and care for others, based on the Biblical command “love thy neighbor as thyself” (Leviticus 19:18 ). This precept leads us to support others (even on issues that may take place outside of our social circles), to listen to those who need our help, and to let God lead us to take appropriate and ethical action when it’s necessary.
In “Hug the neighborhood,” a writer shares an experience in which prayer thawed frosty relationships in her neighborhood. “No one appeared to be interested in making new friends,” she writes. “Frankly, they didn't seem to care much about each other.” But as she prayed to better be able to help others by reflecting God as Love, things changed. Genuine friendships and relationships developed, and an atmosphere of indifference changed to one of warmth and caring for one another.
Finally, you might enjoy “Sign of Neighborliness,” a short poem from the December 7, 1946 issue of the Sentinel. It encapsulates how friends and neighbors can inspire each other through prayer, standing in unity to witness the Christ dissolving any evil mentality that would try to prey on innocence.