Tragedies often bring out the best in people. Sam Barber is no exception. With a commitment to raising thousands of pounds to support victims of the recent terror attack in the Manchester, Sam has initiated a program to encourage artists from all over the city to tattoo locals with the mark of the famous Manchester Working Bee.
The worker bee is the symbol of this dynamic English city. It represents Manchester’s hard-working past together with its incredible growth and development during the Industrial Revolution. The worker bee also represents the people of Manchester’s firm resolve to come together and get through a tragedy that saw 22 people die (ten of whom were under 20 years of age) and 116 injured, many critically.
On 22nd May a suicide bomber detonated an explosive device in the foyer of the Manchester Arena. Like so many terrorist attacks that are taking place around the world today, the impact of this event was horrific.
Now dozens of parlours are at work as thousands line up for their working bee tattoo. The practice has really caught on. Manchester is buzzing with activity as the little working bee appears on arms, legs, necks, faces and chests. It’s all in a good cause as people state emphatically they will not be defeated by the sinister, evil intentions of those who want to destroy them.
We live in a dangerous world. The event in Manchester tells us that we are all likely targets. And what is the best response? It seems to me the people of Manchester are getting it right.
In dangerous times like these it’s important to defy those who choose to harm us. Moreover, it’s vital we celebrate the good things that are valued. Expressions of community and solidarity are surely important here.
As Christians let’s celebrate the things that bring us together. Let’s hold on to that which gives us strength. Let’s cherish everything that grants us peace and offers each and every one of us a future.
On this Day of Pentecost we can confidently say the Spirit of the living Christ enables all of this to happen. For, this is God’s incredible gift to us. This is what nourishes and sustains life. On this special day may the Holy Spirit be our “working bee” as we move forward and get on with the things of life!
4 June 17