The play "Antigone" reminds me of how tragic and devastating the circumstances of life can be. No one is immune; what befalls one, befalls another. Families can be torn apart, marriages break up, children rebel, and the ultimate demise for human life, death, can kill, steal, and destroy. It is no respecter of persons and loved ones are left to deal with the heartaches and sorrows that ensue from death. However, I’m also reminded that love is stronger than death and those courageous enough, who dare to defy death and rise to the challenges and consequences, will succeed in effecting permanent changes.
Romeo and Juliet are two characters in a well-known play who dared to be defiant and to take a stand for their love and desire to be together despite parental opposition and family feud. Their decision to remain together despite the odds eventually leads both lovers to commit suicide. Queen Esther of biblical fame also displayed the courage to die for the love of her fellow Jews so that they could be spared death, and the Bible tells us that it was the love of mankind that led Jesus to the cross.
Love defies sound judgement, logic, reasoning, arguments, and public opinions. To be willing to die for what you hold true is true strength indeed. Martin Luther Jr., out of love and concern for the welfare of his fellow African Americans, took a stand against the moral and economic injustice that they faced. He challenged the superpowers and stronghold of the nation that was instituted to oppress the less fortunate of the society. He rejected the very norms and laws of the government body and paid the ultimate price. He, however, had a dream and took the necessary actions which eventually led to changes which brought about permanent results in favor of the Black race. He acted on behalf of the helpless, he decided to do what he saw was right, and the honorable thing to do.
Love never fails, even if it results in death. Few brave souls are strong enough to pay the ultimate price because love is a more excellent way.
