Two men walked into an East Belfast pub. One, a local who had lived there all his life, the other from middle America, visiting for the first time. They both ordered a pint and sat side by side at the bar.
“How are you, then?” asked one of them.
“I’ve been better,” said the other, and the conversation unfolded as they slowly emptied their pints.
“Things feel hard, and I’m worried about my country.”
“I know that feeling. Plenty of sunshine, but I can’t ignore the gathering clouds.”
“It seems that trust is in short supply. I don’t know how it is in your country, but in mine, the people look at each other with suspicion. It seems like every person wants to get their own way and they don’t mind if they leave a little wreckage in their wake.”
“In my place, we’ve got folks who want to find a political solution and others who’d prefer to pick up arms. We’ve got people who can’t see a bit of good in the other side. We’ve got politicians who tell bold lies and even as the world knows it’s a lie, they’ll just keep on telling it.”
“Every person I know claims they love their country. Every one of them stands on the moral high ground and exclaims how they’ve been wronged. They dig in their heels as they talk about their vision of a brighter tomorrow and every one of them is ready to burn the place to the ground just to say they told you so.”
“We’ve got families who won’t talk to one another.”
“We’ve got couples who end their marriage because of the tensions.”
“We’ve got some tough history in our country and sometimes it feels like those ghosts won’t loosen their grip.”
“Even so, there’s good people. I know there are. The ones just trying to get by. The ones looking to shine a brighter light. The ones who can see past the divides. Sometimes their voices get drowned out by the angry ones, but they keep showing up.”
“I’m not sure what’s next, but I’ll keep showing up, too.”
The one looked at the other. He ordered another round for both of them. “Remind me…are we talking about my country or yours?”
“You tell me,” came the reply.
This isn’t a true story but it’s not a lie, either. There are parallels between the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the rising political tensions in America. There are histories of oppression. Similarities in our civil rights movements. Familiar tones and themes and messaging.
I’ll be going to Northern Ireland next month to do some research to make new connections as A Peace of My Mind gets ready for two weeks of storytelling in the summer. A friend from outside Belfast used to talk about the arrogance of small differences. We make them larger than they need to be and we all suffer in the process.
We’re not so different. Maybe there are lessons we can learn.
Insightful sharing John, the like of which instigates a glorious sigh of relief known only by the mind as a welcome release.
A release of the otherwise constant, though not always conscious, current and constant whir of the fearful unknown.
Much gratitude.
As we say, thanks a million.
Peace ☮️ always
Deirdre
Your talk at the Black Mountain last night was powerful.
Thanks Deirdre. It was great to be at Black Mountain with you…I’m already looking forward to the return trip in June!
Your on the right path. The world needs more truthfull sources of information and ones that aise the bar like Peace of Mind! You did a story inteview on Jackie Herman a good friend that was wonderful. He was a pioneer. Someday Id love to tell you a few Jacky the Haircuter stories aout when he was in his prime! I now live in Brazil 25 years divorced but back on track at 68. My secret is common sense. People are becoming dummer by the day staring at their smartphones. No too smart. I told my partner the other day. Most people dont have to play stupid today. They really are. Keep up the geat work! Common sense and the truth rule!
As always – thank you for your reflection and continuing good work.
I think that your story IS true – even if it didn’t happen exactly that way.
Blessings,