The names of the martyrs were written on balloons and released to the sky (Benghazi, Libya) 2/17/13
February marked the second anniversary of Libya’s revolution—a time for reflection and celebration.
During this auspicious time of honoring their resounding revolution, Libyans wholeheartedly reflected on their past, visualized their future and to joined voices in new calls to action. As they continue to forge ahead, the proud people that they are—on the road to freedom, security and prosperity—they continue to be fueled by the inspiration of those who gave their lives for this chance.
Just a few weeks ago, a friend from Libya shared this video that shows images of Libya’s revolution and the martyrs who gave the ultimate sacrifice for the cause.
Why did he post this video? Because he wants his friends, who died for the revolution—that is so understandably sacred to the the Libyan people—to be remembered, never to be forgotten. And also, to honor their martyrdom by being a voice pleading for people to work together for a better future to ensure that their deaths were not in vain.
The full success of a revolution—freedom for the people—is the only acceptable outcome that can begin to heal the hearts of those who have suffered through the loss of loved ones.
At many times during the course of human history, a revolution has been the only way to lead people out of oppression. Although hope and the desire to prevail may remain steadfast at such times, it is unsettling to the core to know that people—good people—will die in the battles for freedom. People who are so devoted to the cause that they are willing to stand and fight for just the mere chance of hope and freedom for themselves and their country, and if necessary, even willing to die to keep that dream alive for the living. It is when a people come to their wits end and they cannot consciously live another day under the oppression of a tyrant. It is a last ditch effort for a chance of a life of dignity, freedom and a better future. Chance because there are no guarantees—revolutions have the possibility of failure.
“When loud cries for a revolution were first heard from the city of Benghazi, everyone was afraid of the results—what might happen. It was not the fear of the blood that would flow, because that was expected of a tyrant like Muammar Gaddafi, but the fear was of a civil war and power struggles and division, but Libyans surprised the world and showed cohesion and compassion among them. The main reason for this is the blood of the martyrs that mingled with each other from east to west and north to south, Arabs and Amazigh. Thank you our faithful martyrs—your blood enlighten us our freedom’s road. We will not forget you because you are alive among us.” ~ Mohammed M. Hadiya (Benghazi, Libya)
Photo: Ahmed Elzway
The sky lit by balloons honoring the martyrs. (Benghazi, Libya) 2/17/13
Often in times of revolution, rulers with their ruthless regimes can snuff out every attempt of the people to rise to victory. Even when circumstances allow for a victory to be achieved and a dictator is crushed, that is not the final phase of the revolution. Next comes the rebuilding, restructuring, and new governing, while attempting to keep new emerging faces of evil from arising from the peripheral—and halting random, as well as orchestrated acts of lawlessness aimed at creating setbacks to the mission of progress. This is where Libya has found herself the past two years, pushing ahead through the next stage of revolution.
Why does Libya’s revolution matter to me?
Photo: Ahmed ElzwayBeing that we are all connected, don’t we all have the moral obligation to hear the cries for freedom from our brothers and sisters around the world? The evolution of consciousness for all of us is infinitely tied to consciousness of each one of us.
What can we in other countries do?
Listen, truly listen, to their stories by allowing ourselves to be open enough to see things through another’s eyes, through another’s experience. Their stories need to be told. It is through understanding, empathy and compassion that we can all grow, become inspired and become a vital part of the manifestation of a more peaceful and just world. We all need to learn from one another. Never, ever underestimate the power of people to people connections.
Let’s encourage our government and governments around the globe to continue building bridges of friendship and strong working relationships with Libya. And, as Libya moves forward to recreate their identity, their own unique identity, we must ensure that their voice be heard on the world stage.
Let them know, beyond doubt, that they matter.
Read more about the heroes and the Libyan revolution:
Mehdi Mohammed Zeyo: An Unlikely Hero of a Youth Led Revolution
Kamikaze Pilot Mokhtar Mohammed Osman Free Libya Hero and Martyr
February’s Flowers
شكري العروسي – زهور فبراير
Rough translation: We are flowers going out into the light, lovers of February’s breezes. We are young people, reject what is unfair. We rebel against an unjust regime. We are flowers going outside to the sun, have broken the barrier of yesterday’s fear and screamed loud “God is greatest, God first and then Libya only.” Rebelled on in the night and horror. The injustice and corruption, he wasted the country. Our faith in God and His Messenger, the Libyan people won the revolution. The victory for February’s spring, by its flowers and colors with spells rebels, Libya became in the foreground. Men and women are free, Libyan people won the battle.
Wendy Keslick is a massage therapist and after practicing yoga for over 12 years she has finally enrolled in a yoga teacher training program. Her spiritual journey includes yoga, her devotion to Rosicrucian AMORC studies and being part of the conversation of our evolving humanity. Borderline obsessions include organic and natural living, vegetarianism and veganism, social justice issues, documentaries and current events. She is determined to learn Arabic in this lifetime. Her daughter, international travel, exploring other cultures and green smoothies are her passions.
She also founded a nonprofit called Children Creating Bridges. Volunteering for this organization has taken her to Syria to be part of three medical delegations to help with the Iraqi refugee crisis. Follow her on Facebook.
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Ed: Brianna Bemel
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