Newsletter 30 September 2009
From Wall to Welcome
The Rev. Amy Cook
After the silence and shock during our first harsh glimpses
of that wall, I was numb. When the realization of my own government’s
involvement in that divisive conflict hit a few seconds later, a cold heartbreak
froze me. The thought actually chilled. My sparse hope for this place’s
redemption began to slip.
Outside interests and insider violence, which were the only things CNN had
shown me, seemed too much. As a world power, haven’t we learned anything
through stumbling from one “War to End All Wars” into a second
World War? Had we not gained peaceful ground in untangling the mess in Northern
Ireland? As Christians, why had we stood by so quietly through this jarring
injustice?
The contrasting warmth of our welcome at the inn was beautiful. Our Palestinian
friends were eager to extend welcome and get us settled in. Their sincere
kindness reminded me of coming home from college that first holiday: a cozy
place, a huge meal, and attentive conversation.
However, the experience was disorienting. In many news stories I had read,
“Palestinian” followed by labels like “bomber,” “terrorist,”
“murderer,” or “violence.” Never had “Palestinian”
preceded “host,” “kind,” “welcome”, or
even “smile.” The hospitality of our Palestinian hosts was also
a silencing moment of correction. My view of these dear folks is forever changed.
Going to (and into) the pyramids was amazing. Our guides in Egypt and Jordan
were helpful in understanding that part of the world. However, nothing compares
to that first night in Bethlehem. If I could share any aspect of this experience,
it would have been this hour, from wall to welcome.
A few months later, in a church I did not know well, I shared a children’s
sermon on the experience. The focus was our international Christian family
and the amazing inclusion of Pentecost. There was a man from Palestine there.
He and his family were touched. Apparently, they had rarely heard Palestinians
mentioned without reference to fear and terrorism.
Thanks be to God for pilgrimage.
The Rev. Amy Cook is a United Methodist Pastor from Tennessee. She traveled with the Holston Annual Conference on The Exodus Experience
