Our city, Mumbai, was yesterday, once again the target of a terrorist attack. Three serial bomb blasts left about 18 people dead and over a hundred injured. One blast took place at a bus stop just outside a school, minutes after 400 children had left for the day.
Today people went back to work and the children went back to schools and on the face of it, it was business as usual. This is a city that has lived through repeated acts of terrorism and as a result, Mumbaikars are hailed for their ability to go back to normalcy so quickly. This is often called ‘the spirit of Mumbai’.
However as one of our politicians said so well (sometimes they make sense!): This whole Mumbai Spirit thing is a bit tiresome now because let’s face it no one gave them a bl**** choice anyway.
Yes, and while some of us can sit at home on days like this (after the attacks and when it’s raining heavily), unfortunately there are thousands of others who have no choice but to go back to work. Many of them are daily laborers. Others know that if they don’t go to work, there’s a fair chance they’d lose their job. Parents have to send their children to school – because often the school safer than leaving them alone at home in unsafe neighborhoods. So life returns to ‘normal’ because most people cannot afford to be afraid – they just have no choice.
Let us think of them today……..
May you be inspired – everyday!
With terrorism on the rise I hold fast to Psalm 91.
He that dwelleth in the secret place of the most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty.
I will say of the LORD, He is my refuge and my fortress: my God; in him will I trust.
Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.
He shall cover thee with his feathers, and under his wings shalt thou trust: his truth shall be thy shield and buckler.
Thou shalt not be afraid for the terror by night; nor for the arrow that flieth by day;
Nor for the pestilence that walketh in darkness; nor for the destruction that wasteth at noonday.
A thousand shall fall at thy side, and ten thousand at thy right hand; but it shall not come nigh thee…
And I pray for those in Mumbai who were attacked and for the survivors. When things like this happen all there is to do is trust.
this breaks my heart, corinne. i don’t even know what to say. holding you and your people in my heart! xoxox
Oh Corinne, I am so so sorry to read this. Sorry for the world we live in where this sort of thing happens. I will keep you and all the people of Mumbai in my thoughts and prayers and hope so much that no more are harmed in this senseless, tragic way.
God bless and take care…
And, may we find the messengers of terrorists soon. And, make them serve the menial needs of every family they’ve harmed for the rest of their lives.
It’s so sad, you would think in the aftermath of anytime of tragedy that people would have time, sympathy and support. Quite often these types of tragedy bring people together I don’t see much of that happening there – makes me think – where is the love?
Corinne, this is so very sad to think that this even has to happen in our lives. I will certainly keep you and your city in my prayers.
I will be praying for you and those in your city right now. I can’t imagine living in a place that can become so violent and deadly at any moment. It must cause a lot of anxiety (even if it is not exactly apparent all the time) within the psyche of the people there. I think you hit the head on nail with the hammer of truth when you said that many people just can’t afford to be afraid. Unfortunately, people all over the world have to work in conditions that they know might be a risk to their safety to put food on the plates of those they love. How sad that to be safe or to live in danger is not a choice for so many. I will pray for all of you.
My heart and prayers go out to you and yours Corinne. May you be safe.
These are times that cannot be explained as to how cruel we can be to one another. My heart goes out to all. The strength it takes to move onto daily life is a gift.
What in the world is going on? Why are they bombing Mombai? Are these Muslims against Hindu again? Sigh! I am so very sorry. I am glad you are safe. Hugs and kisses.
I was so moved by your post. I read about the attack, but with global news, sometimes these things seem so far away. Except of course for the people who are THERE. I remember after 9/11, a french newspaper had the headline, “Today we are all Americans.” Every day we all all global citizens and neighbors. Thank you for reminding us all of that fact.
This is one of the saddest things that could happen to any nation. Corinne, I cannot even begin to imagine what must be going on in Mumbai and how the people are feeling and coping. Thank God the children are ok. These terrorists will get their punishment that I am sure off. God bless!!!
I agree – it’s very different watching things on the news and reading them from the perspective of people who are living in the place – even though as journalist I know that colleagues try hard to convey these things. I’m so sorry for you and all those in Mumbai who have to suffer this. Take good care of yourself NNHM xx
So sad to hear this. 🙁 Stay safe.