Ataturk

Ataturk Airport in Istanbul was quiet as my wheelchair raced to catch the next flight. No time was left for me to go shopping in their splendored shops. At that speed, I captured the feel of the persons on line, at the tables and walking.

What I saw was a commonality with beautiful differences. Groups of Hindus dressed in Nehru type clothing; Muslim women in scarves of the prettiest variety of colors and oriental design; Daddys tending to their babies; Africans, Scandinavians, Germans, Americans athletes; and the list would grow if I could rewind what I saw.

The lovely peacefulness reminded me of the excitement found in the 1960’s when communication and world travel burst into our lives through TV and radio and musical powwows.  Multicultural appreciation had begun. The children were well behaved; there were no arguments; and people were getting to their destinations.

The quality of civilization was multicolored and multi-languaged. And it was civilized. The Turkish employees of Ataturk were cordial, friendly and Old World genteel. They seemed to care very  much to please the travelers. Service was deep in their tradition.

Ataturk is a rare commodity of peaceful global engagement. The romance of Turkish Delights and fantasies of Narnian design and color were in the real world. In their world…right in front of me and it tasted delicious.

Not quite 24 hours after my departure, Ataturk was ripped apart by 3 suicide bombers. I saw the news. This tragedy of lost lives of the Daddies and Mommies with strollers of children; the peaceful lines of multicultural people that I just left…my sadness and lament is for them.

I am left with how to deal with this misery. Do I focus on hating ISIS? Well…confessionally, I hate all wicked actions and this certainly fits the character of wickedness. My decision is to promote Beauty, Multiculturalism and Color.

Any Narcissist needs to be ignored to reduce power given its way. I am not in position to go ‘after’ anyone but in prayer, I can believe my God is willing to move this chess piece out. The right people will be selected for this action. My right action is to paint and glorify God and all God’s children.