Seeing the Divine in the Faces of the Forgotten
By Mole FM Editorial Team
In Joan Osborne’s poignant song “One of Us,” she asks us to ponder a profound question: What if God was one of us? The lyrics challenge us to consider how we might treat others if we recognized the divine in every person we encounter. This thought-provoking idea invites us to reflect on our interactions with those who are suffering, especially in our own developed countries, and to reevaluate our perspectives on people who are often overlooked or marginalized.
The Invisible Suffering in Our Midst
In bustling cities and affluent neighborhoods, it’s easy to overlook the individuals who are struggling. The homeless person on the street corner, the single parent juggling multiple jobs, the elderly neighbor who lives alone—these are the faces of suffering that often fade into the background of our daily lives. If we saw each of these individuals as embodying a spark of the divine, how might our actions change? Would we offer a helping hand more readily? Would we advocate for systemic changes to alleviate their burdens?
Reimagining History: Columbus and the Taínos
Let’s cast our minds back to 1492, when Christopher Columbus landed on the shores of what is now Mole Saint-Nicolas in Haiti. The Taíno people who welcomed him were met not with understanding and respect, but with exploitation and violence. Imagine if Columbus and his crew had seen the Taínos as divine beings—valued and equal. How different might history have been if mutual respect and empathy had guided those first encounters?
The Taínos possessed rich cultures, knowledge of the land, and a harmonious way of life. Recognizing their inherent worth could have fostered a relationship based on collaboration rather than conquest. This reimagining isn’t just a historical exercise; it’s a lesson in the importance of seeing the humanity in others, regardless of differences.
Colonial Powers and Modern Reflections
The colonial powers of the past often viewed the inhabitants of developing regions as resources to be exploited rather than as people deserving dignity and respect. This dehumanization justified centuries of oppression and has left lasting scars on nations like Haiti. If those colonizers had seen “Jesus in each Haitian,” symbolizing a deep recognition of each person’s value, the trajectory of these nations could have been dramatically altered.
Today, the legacies of colonialism persist in the form of economic disparities, political instability, and social injustices. However, we have the power to change the narrative. By acknowledging the historical context and actively working towards equity, we can begin to heal these deep-rooted wounds.
A Call to Open Our Eyes in 2024
As we navigate the complexities of the modern world in 2024, it’s crucial to challenge ourselves to see beyond the surface. The global community is more interconnected than ever, yet suffering persists in many forms. Whether it’s poverty, discrimination, or environmental injustice, these issues demand our attention and action.
We must ask ourselves:
• Are we turning a blind eye to the struggles of others because they seem distant or overwhelming?
• How can we extend compassion and support to those who are suffering, both locally and globally?
• What steps can we take to address the systemic issues that perpetuate inequality and injustice?Embracing Empathy and Action
Seeing the divine in every person isn’t just a philosophical idea—it’s a call to empathy and action. It means recognizing that every individual has inherent worth and deserves respect and kindness. This perspective compels us to:
• Listen Actively: Engage with others’ stories without judgment or preconceived notions.
• Advocate for Change: Support policies and initiatives that address social injustices and promote equality.
• Volunteer and Support: Offer time, resources, or skills to organizations that aid those in need.
• Educate Ourselves and Others: Learn about the historical and social contexts that contribute to current issues, and share this knowledge to foster greater understanding.Conclusion
The message embedded in “One of Us” serves as a timeless reminder of the power of perspective. By choosing to see the suffering people in our world not as strangers, but as reflections of ourselves—or even as embodiments of the divine—we can transform indifference into compassion and inaction into meaningful change.
Let’s not turn a blind eye. In 2024 and beyond, may we open our eyes, our hearts, and our hands to create a world where every person is seen, valued, and uplifted.
Join the conversation on Mole FM’s social media platforms. Share your thoughts on how we can collectively make a difference in the lives of those who are suffering. Let’s inspire each other to act with empathy and purpose.