How many more times do we have to come to terms with death before we find safety?" he asked. He waited a few minutes, but the three of us didn't say anything. He continued: "Every time people come at us with the intention of killing us, I close my eyes and wait for death. Even though I am still alive, I feel like each time I accept death, part of me dies. Very soon I will completely die and all that will be left is my empty body walking with you. It will be quieter than I am.
Ishmael BeahThis is one of the consequences of the civil war. People stop trusting each other, and every stranger becomes an enemy.
Ishmael BeahI believe that there is a God, and coming from an African tradition, I believe also that there are gods.
Ishmael BeahIn the sky there are always answers and explanations for everything: every pain, every suffering, joy and confusion.
Ishmael BeahWe must live in the radiance of tomorrow, as our ancestors have suggested in their tales. For what is yet to come tomorrow has possibilities, and we must think of it, the simplest glimpse of that possibility of goodness. That will be our strength. That has always been our strength.
Ishmael BeahI believe in having a more open mind and including others who don't share your faith and having dialogue with them. And just having a pure heart and being a good person can bring you closer to God. Because once you believe in one particular religion fully and not others, that requires you to start disliking people who don't share your views.
Ishmael Beah