Australia is currently mourning the loss of a young sportsman, felled by a cricket ball to the temple while he was playing state cricket. 25 years old and in the prime of his life and career. It’s a tragedy. I feel for his family and friends. I also feel terribly sad for the poor young man who bowled that ball. I should think he’s going to need therapy for quite some time.  Yes, a nation’s grief has been poured out across the media, almost to the point of overkill, and I understand. It’s shocking to think that a fit young man could lose his life while playing sport.

However, my fellow Australians don’t seem to be as affected by the news that some of the Sri Lankan refugees that we sent back, have been arrested in Sri Lanka. It doesn’t bother us that children in detention aren’t allowed to play and are treated worse than the criminals in our jails. Only a few voices are being raised against this current government’s intention to ignore the UN Refugee Convention of which we are signatories. Perhaps, if we could prove that these refugees are all brilliant sports-people, we might see the empathy levels rise.

On the one hand I see the world going to heck in a hand-basket and then, on the other hand, I hear of acts of such generosity and courage that I’m still hopeful.

Today I saw a video clip of a man in India – from a Brahmin family – ignoring the teachings of his class, and going out into the streets every day to feed the homeless. He doesn’t just hand them food. He puts his arm around them. He gives them water to wash with and cuts their hair. He says the food is for physical nutrition and the love is for mental nutrition. As a Brahmin, he’s not supposed to go near, let alone touch, the “untouchables”. Although it has caused him some trouble with his family he says real joy is gained when we begin giving. Thank you, sir, for shining the light in a dark place.

Thank you to the men who defy their culture/religion/peer group and educate their daughters and refuse to treat women with disdain or violence. Thank you to the women who are beginning to march together and demand better treatment. Thank you to the doctors without borders who go to the most dark and violent places to give free medical treatment to whoever needs it. Thank you, especially, for being the first responders to the Ebola crisis and for risking your own lives to bring help to the most vulnerable people in the world.

The only way to defeat the darkness is to flood it with light.