Hundreds gathered outside Toronto's Police Headquarters on St. Valentine's
Day to remember beloved Aboriginal women stolen by violence, apathy and
prejudice.

Pray for women in Iraqi Kurdistan and around the world who, obeying the divine voice, are challenging discriminatory harm and inviting the breathe of life to blow afresh through their families, communities and societies.

A refreshing and gentle breeze is being felt above the plains of Iraqi Kurdistan.  It brings with it courage and enthusiasm, and the prophecy of a new generation of human relationships. It affirms the wisdom within every human spirit that all persons are equally positioned by the Great Creator.

A weekend spent envisioning a
new democracy ends by singing
Rev. Martin Luther King's last
request.

God, be a pillar of nonviolent defense against occupation, apartheid, domination, theft, bombardment, phosphorus chemical weapons, missiles, drones, assassination of journalists, propaganda, home demolition, sexism, racism and despair. Let offenses yield to nationhood, dignity and zealous compliance with the Geneva Conventions in Gaza and everywhere.

Ask God for eyes to see, appreciate, honor and acknowledge lavish giving by people others habitually use, impoverish, objectify, take advantage of, slight, mistrust, second-guess, one-up, doubt, fear, ignore, tolerate, patronize, pity or pigeonhole. Ask that defensiveness may give way to mutuality.

We walk to our corner and buy bread from the friendly bakers themselves. They are always gentle and helpful. We stop to buy our fruit and vegetables from a kindly man next door who, after a warm greeting, immediately introduces us to his family and friends who have gathered inside. 

So, how is it that all over the world, we read of Islamophobia?

Gloria, a leader and organizer from the Popular Women’s Organization (OFP), and I responded to an emergency accompaniment request. Minutes before calling CPT, Gloria had received a call from a friend at social services asking for support for a young woman who was attempting to flee from a situation of sexual slavery.

A personal encounter during a public witness action tests and deepens a facebook friendship.

Jesus' portrayal of a nation's hated enemy as minister to imitate should do more than ruffle Islamophobes' feathers. It should move people to acts of radical hospitality.