I used to turn the channel when animal neglect/abuse shows or advertisements would come on because it hurt too much to watch.
I used to turn off the news when they’d start talking about yet another atrocity that some brain dead human committed against an innocent creature because it made me physically ill to listen.
I used to pass up books and close magazines or newspapers if I noticed that the story was going to be still another horrific situation for the main ‘character’ (i.e. an animal) because I’d get so upset that this still was happening in our day and age.
I used to tune people out, who would relay the neglect and abuse they have witnessed of one of God’s creatures at the hands of another of God’s creatures, because I felt I could not say what I wanted to really say to these low lives.
I used to not ‘get involved’ in any real depth with animal rights and instead would just stick to rescue and caring for as many animals as I could myself, because I would get so angry at the injustice, that I felt I would not be able to speak in a manner that would be heard.
I used to…
But then it dawned on me, if everyone felt the way I did, and shut it out, the way I did – who would be there to stand up for those innocent creatures who were longing for help?
If everyone shut down and hid themselves away because it was ‘too ugly’ or ‘too scary’ or ‘too painful’ to face, who would cry out for those loving and gentle souls who were crying out themselves, but couldn’t be heard?? (who were actually going through the pain instead of just reading about it)
If everyone pretends to listen while thinking of happier thoughts to keep themselves from drowning in deep despair over the plight of other living things – who will defend them? Who will protect them? Who will speak out and at least attempt to make one life better and safe from those who commit such heinous acts?
There would be no one! Their plight would never get better and in fact, would get much worse if no one were there to stand up to the bullies, and the stubborn, and the injust, and ok, let’s just say it… the idiots.
That’s when it hit me…
It may kill me inside every time I look into a pair of sad eyes, or hear a whimper, or see the innocent life of a critter fade away, but it would truly be the end of me if I let those same animals suffer without even trying to help them.
They can’t fight back on their own – and I can’t let them suffer in silence. I have to just let the tears flow and use that – let the anger boil up and use that – let the frustration at the injustice system (no typo there) grow and use that.
Use it all to become strong, stand tall, and find their voice inside me and let it wail!
No more will they suffer alone while I turn the other way. I may crumble at the end of the day from the weariness of the fight, but I will rise again the next morn and start all over. And the next day, and the next – until every last one of them is free from their bondage, free from their terror, free from their suffering – or until I draw my last breath.
My running days are over – its time to stand up and fight!! Will you stand beside me?!