By Piya Jacob, SCC Board Secretary
I have read this somewhere and wrote it down. I keep a pen and index card with me when I read because I am always stumbling across inspiring sentences. It is interesting to discover the index card I had written on at a later date. I stop and take a moment to reflect on the quote and see if it is still relevant. And sometimes these quotes prompt me to think deeper on the topic. And there-in lies the seed of a developed thought.
“Hatred corrodes the container that carries it.” This is a pretty powerful statement. Hatred is a very strong word. It is not a word that I use much, if at all, unless it is perhaps to describe some food that gives me the willies. I can be somewhat squeamish that way. But as far as people are concerned, I would say that hatred is too strong and negative a word to use. If you can hate somebody it means that you have distanced yourself from humanity at a very basic level.
In this current political climate, there is a lot of divisive talk. But this is not something new. If you had been at the receiving end of prejudice in the last century you probably felt it then, too. Right now, we read news articles about Chinese Americans, or people who look oriental bearing the brunt of hate speech and hateful and harmful actions by passersby. This is very sad and dangerous.
Hatred of “the other” is something that humans have dealt with throughout history. But when you, as a minority, are the object of hate it becomes a scary situation to find yourself in. It is a lazy mind, an ignorant person and an insecure person who lashes out at another human being because of how they look. Or how they dress. Or the fact that they are bilingual or trilingual.
Let us remember that this earth is our communal home. We all live here, we all have a right to live in peace and harmony. If you are reading this and have noticed someone acting in an unkind way towards another person please speak up. All of us whether we are first, second or third generation immigrants to this nation, are counting on each other to make this a more perfect union. You do your part, and I will do mine.
The Sedona Community Center endeavors to accept and welcome all. We see celebrating our differences as ways to enrich each other’s lives. Although only the essential meal services are being provided at this time, we look forward to the day our guests can gather again to enjoy each other’s company, share interests, and expand their own horizons.
Hot meals are currently being served on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays for pickup/to go at the Center and home delivery. Frozen meals for Tuesdays and Thursdays are also available on Mondays and Wednesdays along with the hot meal and bagged food items are available along with the hot meals on Fridays. During this time of urgent need, we are offering the equivalent of 14 meals—breakfast and lunch—hot, frozen, and shelf-stable for those local Seniors who need them. For menus and more information, visit www.sccsedona.org.
