A humble request for prayer...

Thread originally posted on the Aeclectic Tarot Forum on 23 Mar 2003, and now archived in the Forum Library.

MeeWah	23 Mar 2003
Greetings, Kindred Spirits~ I am taking the unusual step of begging ye all for prayer, to be directed for the safety of what has just been reported this morning as Americans or members of the coalition forces taken captive by Iraqis forces. All agencies are asking the Iraqis to please observe the rules of the Geneva Convention for humane treatment of the prisoners of war. Like many families around the world, we have family members & friends involved in this military campaign & we view this with heavy hearts. I am aware that there have been charges the U.S. has violated the Geneva Convention in the practice of sanctions against Iraq; also in the detaining of people since September 11, 2001. I do not know the specifics of the latter other than the accusation that people are being unlawfully detained with no means for outside contact; however, my intent is not to use this venue as a political soapbox, but to ask that those of ye who are so inclined, to please consider contributing to the power of concerted group energy for wisdom & humanitarianism to prevail throughout whatever events may occur. For those of ye who are interested, here is a link to the University of Minnesota's Human Rights Library, which has the Convention document obtained from the Institute Henri Dunant detailing the handling of prisoners of war. See Chapter II, from Article 4 on: http://www1.umn.edu/humanrts/instree/1899b.htm Btw: Jean Henri Dunant (1828-1910) was the founder of the International Committee of the Red Cross & the Geneva Convention. He & Frederick Passy shared the first Nobel Peace Prize in 1901. Thank ye for your time. Edited to add: Moderators, if this topic is not appropriate for this forum, please move accordingly. Thanks!

Diana	23 Mar 2003
Dearest MeeWah: Your post went right to my heart. I have been watching the BBC for the last hour and a half where they have reported on this disturbing news. In their usual dignified manner, they did not stoop to show the images that were shown on Iraqi television. The Red Cross is in contact with the Iraqi authorities and there is great hope that they will be able to influence them. I feel the fear of these soldiers very strongly and it is greatly disturbing me. As soon as I have healed my own disturbance, I will join you in your prayers. Wholeheartedly.

Moongold	23 Mar 2003
I did not know this news MeeWah and share your heavy heartedness and prayers. Moongold

zorya	23 Mar 2003
((((meewah)))) light and prayers are being sent. please keep us informed of how your family and friends are doing.

Mimers	23 Mar 2003
My prayers are for soldiers on both sides. To all the human beings out there suffering. For my country, the people of my government and the soldiers that fight for my country. I pray for them now. I too have been thinking of them all day. I pray that they come out safe in body and in spirit. I pray that something good will come out of all this. I pray that all of MeeWaa's friends and family that are out there come home safe. (((((((((healing)))))))))) (((((((((humanity)))))))) ((((((((strength)))))))))) Mimi

jlbvt	23 Mar 2003
I shall keep them in my thoughts tonight and include them in my healing meditation.

Alex	25 Mar 2003
I've been hopping so much no one would get caught. Now that some have been, I just hope they are treated with decency. Who knows, it's a great chance for both sides, to show that human decency can prevail_ and that in itself will be something good. If Diana is right, then the Red Cross is watching out for them. Should we all be so thankful that such thing as the Red Cross exists, and keep our fingers crossed, that they will do a great job. Alex.

wavebreaker	25 Mar 2003
Quote: Originally posted by Alex If Diana is right, then the Red Cross is watching out for them. Should we all be so thankful that such thing as the Red Cross exists, and keep our fingers crossed, that they will do a great job. Just a thought: the Red Cross not only provides support for the prisoners of war, they also provide humanitarian support for the Iraqi citizens and refugees. In other words: they are doing a great job to help everyone in this terrible situation. So if you have a bit of money to spare, support them by making a donation! Even it's just $5 or €5, every little bit counts...

Kiama	25 Mar 2003
Meewah, I am sending prayers along with a group of my friends... And I agree with Tarotlady: I've worked with the Red Cross before. They need all the monetary support they can get! Kiama

theredhead	25 Mar 2003
You have my prayers as do all that serve in our armed forces, and the families that wait for them. This time i do not have anyone close to me who is over there, but i seem to know of so many that do, most are Special Forces, Marines, or the 101st. My heart aches and they are never far from my heart as i go through my day. I continually pray that Mercy, light, love and healing will come to all those who are touched by this.

MeeWah	25 Mar 2003
Hail, (((Kindred Spirits)))~ Apologies for taking so long to get back to this, but please know that your efforts & time are very much appreciated! We have not been able to determine where all of our relatives & friends are, but have since found out one is in Kuwait as a member of a supply team. Also, I see that in my rush, I neglected to include a very important part! The intent of this request for prayer is to also direct prayer to *all* who are in harm's way in the service of their country; for the citizenry who are inadvertently involved & for the humanitarian agencies, regardless of allegiance! Whatever the means one chooses to contribute of the energy, whether in thought or concrete form, avoiding an "us" against "them" stance would ultimately be more helpful. This is an opportunity to come together to foster goodwill, compassion & understanding, not more rifts; will influence & shape the course of human existance. Thanks again!

The A humble request for prayer... thread was originally posted on 23 Mar 2003 in the Spirituality board, and is now archived in the Forum Library. Read the active threads in Spirituality, or read more archived threads.