Out of the Shadows

Today, December 1st, nations and governments, civic bodies and churches as well as other religious organizations and countless individuals around the world all pause to remember and work for the end of an epidemic that affects us all in some way. As members of the human race and children of our Creator, today--World AIDS Day--we stand in solidarity with all who suffer from the shadows of HIV/AIDS in our world.

The fight against this disease is one that's especially relevant for all of us in the LGBT community as we have lost so many beloved friends and family members to this illness. Even more so, however, this is a worldwide, humanitarian problem that calls for solidarity and compassion on both the local and global levels.

The video I've chosen here, although not subdued in the truth it speaks about the magnitude of this crisis, also shows where there is much hope for the future. The key is to continue to educate and work for the just allocation of resources so that, as the video states, one day soon we might welcome the first generation of children on our planet born free from the shadows of HIV/AIDS.

May God's loving-kindness and care for all of the children of the earth touch our lives and hearts--turning each of us into instruments of compassion for one another, touching lives and bringing light and hope to all.

Prayerfully,
P. Chuck