My husband and I had the opportunity to visit the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ) last week. These ribbons are prayers tied to the fence that divides North and South Korea at Imjingak. They’re prayers for peace and reunification.
The DMZ has been in place for 70 years. That’s an entire lifetime. It’s astounding to think of all the lost connections between loved ones and lives that have been changed over the years. This buffer zone is fascinating for many foreigners, but my Korean friend told me she’s never been there. I can’t fault her for not going to see it–the DMZ represents a great deal of loss and trauma.
This tour had me thinking about the war in Vietnam. It was at this time 48 years ago that my family fled our home country. My life is vastly different because of my parents’ decisions and actions. Now I’m a mother and I think a lot about how my choices impact my children’s lives. My hope is their lives will be better, and even more storied than mine or their grandparents’. When my sons are adults, I pray that we will have the ability to see each other freely and often.
What does freedom and a life worth living mean to you? Is it a stable career, a comfortable home, having your loved ones close? What if your country is divided, whether by war or ideology?
We are bombarded with negative news, and I don’t know about you, but that gets me down.
We need to change the narrative.
Let’s spread peace and kindness by embodying the hope that’s in these prayer ribbons.
