Je Suis Charlie

I see it in the somber yet proud faces of those I pass on the street. I see it in the increased police presence around Lyon. I see it in my own soul, as I struggle to comprehend the events of the past few days. And I see it plastered on posters and signs around town: Je Suis Charlie.

This phrase is nonsense outside of the context of the horrific tragedy which unfolded last week in Paris, and I doubt that even western foreigners can fully understand the impact of this slogan -- myself included. But the three simple words brilliantly capture the national sentiment in France after the senseless murders which occurred January 7th through 9th.

Americans believe in freedom of speech, yet we often seem to shy away from controversial topics in the name of tolerance and political correctness. For the French, although the cartoons at Charlie Hebdo were clearly offensive and provocative, it's truly important to defend the national French values expressed in its motto Liberté, Égalité, Fraternité....despite the controversial messages portrayed in the cartoons. The ideal of free speech, regardless of the content, is at stake in the minds of the citizens of this nation which has a long and complicated history of war, revolution, and uprising. The French come together today in solidarity, as one people, to march for their freedom rights. One million plus are gathering in Paris as I write, and there is also a huge march in Lyon going on at the same time. So what will these marches accomplish? Where will we go from here?

Above all, I believe that we all need to continue the march. We need to stand together, regardless of nationality, religion, political viewpoint, color, or any other mask that divides us. We need to come together against terrorism of any kind. I'm encouraged when I read about imams who are not remaining silent, but are speaking out against these evil practices. Muslim imams, Christian pastors, and Jewish rabbis alike need to band together in peace to condemn the actions of extremists who killed in the name of Allah or any other God. I think the brother of the slain Muslim police officer Ahmed Merabet said it so well, and I'll quote his words directly from the Guardian:

“My brother was Muslim and he was killed by two terrorists, by two false Muslims,” he said. “Islam is a religion of peace and love. As far as my brother’s death is concerned it was a waste. He was very proud of the name Ahmed Merabet, proud to represent the police and of defending the values of the Republic – liberty, equality, fraternity.”

Malek reminded France that the country faced a battle against extremism, not against its Muslim citizens. “I address myself now to all the racists, Islamophobes and antisemites. One must not confuse extremists with Muslims. Mad people have neither colour or religion,” he said.

“I want to make another point: don’t tar everybody with the same brush, don’t burn mosques – or synagogues. You are attacking people. It won’t bring our dead back and it won’t appease the families.”

I pray today that we will always remember these wise words from a heartbroken brother. I pray that we would wake up and treat one another with love and respect. Believers, may we show people today that we love God by loving the people He created.

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another. By this everyone will know that you are my disciples, if you love one another.” - Jesus 

According to Le Progres, no less than 300,000 people marched in the streets of Lyon today.
Here's the scene in Place Bellecour. Wow!