This is what I shared when I prayed at
the Huntsville Islamic Center on December 18th. It was the first time I was invited to speak
in their prayer space. It is something
which I hope and pray will happen more. The
only way to get through the virus of bigotry is through education and by being
present with one another. I hope that
this is something which is meaningful and that the event which occurred on Friday
will be the continuation of more events to come.
This poem is adapted from Martin
Niemöller (1892–1984) a prominent Protestant pastor who emerged as an outspoken
public foe of Adolf Hitler and spent the last seven years of Nazi rule in
concentration camps.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Socialist.
Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak
out—
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.
Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out—
Because I was not a Jew.
Then they came for the Muslim ,
and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a Muslim.
Then they came for the homosexuals, and I did not speak out –
Because I was not a homosexual.
Then they came for the people of color, but I did not speak out -
Because I was not a person of color.Then they came for the “the others”,
but I did not speak out –
Because I thought I safe.Then they came for me—and there was no one left to speak for
me...
It is my hope and prayer that we will be able to learn from
history; that whenever anyone is targeted - we are all targeted. May God open our hearts to be able to see one
another. May we be able be present with
one another during life’s challenges and opportunities. May this simply be the beginning of friendship
as we go forward together into the unknown supporting one another.
