I really don’t plan to blog only when something notable occurs – like with Prince Harry’s brave stance on mental health issues – but I can’t not write about the horrendous, heartbreaking events of last night – a Facebook post or a tweet just doesn’t feel adequate.
My husband, Bill, came to bring me a cup of tea whilst I was doing my prayers this morning and shared with me the harrowing news that there had been an explosion at last night’s Ariane Grande concert at the MEN Arena – a venue I am all too familiar with having taken both of my girls there, and visited myself, many times. At that point 19 people, including children, were confirmed dead. A little like when I heard the news of Princess Diana’s death I burst into tears – initially of agony at the pointlessness of the loss of life and the injustice that it had happened at an entertainment venue – a performance targeting teenagers and then, selfishly but humanly, with relief that both my teenagers were in bed. It also took me back over 20 years to when I was working for the HOLMES Department of the major incident team for Greater Manchester Police and I was notified of the Manchester bombing. Where, thankfully, nobody was killed and warnings were issued.
A myriad emotions and thoughts crowded in. Today is my niece’s 15th birthday – what if she had gone? Those poor, poor parents and families! How utterly traumatic for those who had witnessed it! Why???? In the name of God why? And shamefully, as a person of faith, that is EXACTLY whose name it has been done in – but it very definitely is not the will of God. It is the actions of an evil extremist who does not represent his faith. Extremism never does.
I had calls and texts from friends in America, Russia and Kenya just making sure we were OK – but 22 other families (the latest mortality count) will also have had those messages and the answer will have been “No, no we aren’t ok”
My prayers then turned to my own lovely Muslim friends and innocent, decent, good people across the Country and how they were feeling. As part of my business I offer a service for the staff at Bolton at Home, a local social housing provider; listening to and supporting them to achieve their potential. One truly, lovely young Muslim man said to me “Karen, please pray for those innocent people who were killed last night” He also added “And please, when you go to church at weekend ask the priest to pray for Unity” “oh, I will” I said, “I most certainly will” because that is exactly what this evil perpetrator wants to destroy. He wants division, disunity, suspicion, hatred and fear. But evil must not and will not prevail. We must stand together united against any and all who seek to steal, kill and destroy our peace and harmony. Action must be taken to eradicate terrorism – it’s essential – but that is what all good and decent people want of all faiths, creed and colour – we must remember that!
And, as a Manchester girl, I have to say how incredibly proud I am, once more, of my home town. They reached out to those who were in fear and terror opening their homes, restaurants and hearts offering free taxi rides, food, shelter, aid – whatever was needed! That indomitable spirit came to the fore as it always has and always will.
Nothing I say can turn the clock back on yesterday’s events. I can’t wipe away the grief and agony. I can’t bring back those 22 innocent people or take away the wounds and scars, mental and physical, of the others affected. I only wish I could. But, I pray that they rest in perfect peace, I pray those left behind find comfort and solace in the outpouring of love from the Nation and the World and I pray for wisdom, compassion and the right kind of justice and against evil, retribution and disunity! Love wins – always!