“BY BLOOD AND ORIGIN, I AM ALL ALBANIAN. MY CITIZENSHIP IS INDIAN. I AM A CATHOLIC NUN. AS TO MY CALLING, I BELONG TO THE WHOLE WORLD. AS TO MY HEART, I BELONG ENTIRELY TO THE HEART OF JESUS.”
—Mother Teresa
Mother Teresa served the dying and dejected. She loved every person, regardless of background,
ethnicity, or station.
Mother Teresa changed the world one person at a time. It began with a desire to serve every person. She held no power as a nun, yet her purpose was clear. And she harnessed her passion and galvanized others to change the way they served “the forgotten.” She was driven, fearless, and deeply felt the responsibility she shouldered.
Mother Teresa “belonged to the whole world.” She did not see borders or nations. She did not see geopolitical divides. She saw the world as an interconnected being, where humanity shared the same red blood and the world was joined together by loving one another. In this complex era of division, do you ask yourself, what has caused our current state of discord . . . where human beings can ignore the devastation and pain of others?
On Friday, September 27th, Hurricane Helene came through my hometown of Spartanburg, South Carolina. Reported as “historic destruction,” homes were devastated by falling trees, and hundreds of lives were lost. The area was deemed a national disaster. FEMA and government assistance sprang into action. Neighbors who previously had only waved as they drove past one another felt compelled to lend a hand as they worked together to remove fallen trees across driveways. Across America, rescue workers came to lend assistance. In the days following, there was no electricity, internet, or television. The temperature was mild and never went below 60 degrees or above 80.
Our homes were quiet without internet or television, and my mind wandered to Ukraine.
That year, the utility grid was demolished by missiles targeting the civilian population in the midst of winter, with regular subzero temperatures. Mothers, children, the elderly, and families were left in wretched freezing conditions. A humanitarian crisis of epic proportions ensued. Can you imagine being in a small high-rise flat in the center of Kyiv, with no electricity, heat, or running water? Your husband, son, uncles, and father are dying on the frontlines, as you struggle to stay warm, with little to no hope as random missile attacks occur daily. Why was there no global outcry for assistance or even neighboring countries coalescing to bring aid? The world acted as though it was unaware. Maybe it was?
Mother Teresa’s compass was the “heart” of Jesus. She believed in love. “Love thy neighbor as thyself.” Her immense capacity to love was fueled by enormous compassion and empathy. She lived amongst society’s most deprived. Imagine the horrors she saw as she cleaned and tended to the worst human conditions possible. She begged the world to help the least of their brothers . . . and I cannot conceive of the deafening silence she heard in response. She “felt” their suffering, which drove her to accomplish what others never dared.
Love requires connectivity which cannot happen if people are insular. It is easier to ignore, even hate, when there is a lack of awareness and understanding of others. On the one-year anniversary of Israel’s unfathomable invasion, I remember the world dissecting, analyzing, and pontificating on what should be the “proper” response. I could not help but reflect on the stories of Mother Teresa calling to the world . . . rebuked with silence. Every mother with compassion understood. I thought of the kidnapped Americans, the abduction of innocent concert attendees, and the systematic terrorizing of civilians where one street literally divides warring communities. Where was the contemporary Mother Teresa who could awaken the world by bringing peace beyond understanding?
The human condition in the 21st century has made strident advancements, so much so that you would think we are interwoven. But we are not. We have the capacity to send people to Mars, embed technology in the brain to interface with computers . . . and turn deserts into oases. With our immeasurable worldly comforts, how have we become blinded to war, genocide, and the immense suffering of others? Because all humanity is inextricably linked, you would think we share the global responsibility to seek knowledge, battle injustice, and strive for peace.
Using the example of Mother Teresa, world change is possible when three things occur. It begins with a humility, a willingness to learn and connect . . . to seek awareness beyond “self.” Like Mother Teresa, to “belong to the whole world” and not only a small piece. Second, when people recognize a purpose larger than “self,” they transcend. This starts with self-actualization, which, in turn, changes the hearts and minds of others. The suffering Mother Teresa witnessed in the poverty of India fueled her efforts. And finally, when those she inspired unified, they were strong enough to stand against evil. This is the seedling for world peace.
Women are the peacemakers. We bring life into the world and shoulder the aftermath of destruction. At a visceral level, we understand the consequences of war for our children and humanity. We have watched the thirst for power grow, creating division and evil, and we have been largely silent.
I have come to realize that until the Power of Love is greater than the Quest for Power, our world will never find peace. And I believe Mother Teresa’s example provides a roadmap for world change.
I wish you every blessing in the season of giving.
With much love,
Karen Floyd
Publisher
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