I find myself consciously
seeking to subdue my emotions on the issue of hundreds of Nigerian school girls
kidnapped, to be used as pawns to manipulate and control. I care deeply,
intensely, and it is difficult to conceptualize or accept this truth. It horrifies
me, but it has happened.
They were snatched away from
all things familiar, safety now a memory - pulled from expressions of love and
care into terrifying situations. It is too much to bear. My heart weeps
with the mother's and bleeds with the father's. The images that plague their
minds are likely ones of terror. They have seen the nature of the captors. They
know the possible fates their offspring face.
I cannot imagine what their
days are like. Is sleeplessness and constant worry now the new reality? Do
daunting feelings of utter hopelessness and anguish drape the landscape of
their thoughts? That state of being is now the common thread, a link between
the girls and their families, Nigeria and the world – worry, concern, fear,
apprehension, doubt - pain.
The Nigerian people expect
the government to do more. In their eyes (on this matter) it is an impotent institution.
Maybe the country’s elect feel as powerless. It is possible what is viewed as
ineptitude is their stark truth, “we are not equipped to handle this.” I could be
wrong, it could be something else altogether. What I do know with certainty, those
girls deserve their freedom. I am praying for their safe return. Bring back our
girls.