THE EDITOR, Sir:
FOR ALMOST four years, my wife, Julia, our daughter, Alicia, and I, have made a spiritual, emotional and physical journey to encourage people to exercise 'One Love' and forgiveness in their lives. In Jamaica, we have worked with many conscious reggae and gospel artistes, as well as many other local 'healers' and experienced the tremendous support and encouragement of joining with like-hearted friends. After writing two books (Rasta Heart and The Gathering of the Healers) on this journey and organising over 60 non-commercial 'One Love: Healing of the Nation Concerts' in both Jamaica and the United States, here are a few things we have learned about bringing forward a message of love in these times:
The journey is humbling and emotionally demanding. To teach love, we must look at all our blocks (fears, ego, prejudices, greed, judgments, insecurities, etc.) to loving
others unconditionally.
Influential people, politicians, musicians, TV and radio talk show hosts, columnists, religious and civic leaders, can lead people into fear or love. Since love is the path HOME, most people, if offered both, will choose to listen to a message of love and unity rather than fear and separation. People can also be easily led astray, especially by loud voices of anger.
The few who do not choose love are usually very broken-hearted, with unhealed wounds. A small handful who argue against love are often using anger, fear and divisiveness for their own purposes or profit. They may take more time.
Our societies are leading people astray through all its institutions (media, political, economic, judicial, health, etc.). It is very difficult for people to see truth in this climate. That is why conscious messages, such as one love reggae or gospel music, are needed now more than ever.
People, knowing they would soon perish in the Twin Towers, called others for only two reasons to tell them that they loved them or to ask forgiveness. In the end, when confronted with the certainty of death, only love and forgiveness mattered. Blessed love.
We are, etc.,
JULIA, ALICIA and ROBERT ROSKIND
roskind@boone.net
PO Box 2142
Blowing Rock
North Carolina 28605
Via Go-Jamaica
