Woe to those who oppose those who seek the truth
Woe to those who oppress those who seek peace
Woe to those who cling to power
Woe to those who beat the innocent
Who to those who feel the need to cling to power by any means necessary

A friend brought me a green wristband from Iran. This is a banned item in Iran. A person could get killed or arrested for wearing one of these wristbands.

“Go Green for Freedom” is written on one side and “Neda” is written on the other side. The former statement echoes the slogan and mandate of the opposition party, which chose the color green to represent its opposition to the ruling party. Neda is the name of the young woman who was shot to death as she marched.

As I watched the election in Iran and the subsequent demonstrations and uprising, for awhile I thought that the unrest would escalate to a point that would have worldwide ramifications. I did not know how America, Israel, China, Russia, Iraq, Afghanistan or other Arab countries would respond. So there was a part of me that panicked – and I had sufficient friends to cool me down and to remind me not to worry, but to be happy.

Watching the images of the brutal crackdown, the media blackout and Neda’s body lying on the floor, death a few minutes away; I could not help but weep for humanity. When will we all just get along? What will it take for us to get along? And what can an individual like me do?

Well when my friend handed me the wristband, I knew I wanted to wear it and to wear it with purpose. Sometimes our role in the world is one of awareness. Yes, sometimes all we can do is be aware and conscious of the needs and struggles of others. So I wear this wristband with awareness. So I wear this green wristband from Iran and I think of the martyr, Neda…

I wear this wristband and pray for peace. I wear this wristband and think of all those who suffer because they dare to speak truth to power.
Blessed are the peacemakers
Blessed are those who work for change
Blessed are those who die working for a better day
Blessed are those who hope
Blessed are be Neda and all those like her.

Peace. God is great. Go green for Iran. My prayers are with Mousavi and the people of Iran – all the people.
Mark

 Blog photo courtesty of Hamed Saber via Flickr.