Last week, I was also given the opportunity to visit the Holocaust Museum in Washington. I know, not the most uplifting place to visit on a getaway without children. However both Amy and I had not been there and decided this was the one museum we would take in while in DC. It’s a place that I would recommend that everyone visits as it does put into perspective what can happen when we judge and let hatred rule in our lives.
Anyway, as we were leaving the exhibit there was a quote painted on the wall. For some reason the quotation really resonated with me. So, as we were leaving the museum and heading back to the last Tour Mobile of the day, we were stopped at the exit and were asked to be interviewed for a survey the museum was doing. (I think we have sucker on our foreheads.) So after a discussion about the exhibits with this nice college student, she presented us with a magnet with the same quote on it. In fact she said it was her favorite. It seemed worthy of sharing with ya’ll as well.
First they came for the Socialists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Socialist.Then they came for the Trade Unionists, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Trade Unionist.Then they came for the Jews, and I did not speak out —
Because I was not a Jew.Then they came for me — and there was no one left to speak for me. (Martin Niemoller)
Remember that no matter how big or small the injustice, it’s our responsibility to help others , and to stand up for what is right.
3 Defend the cause of the weak and fatherless;
maintain the rights of the poor and oppressed. Psalm 82:3 (New International Version)