What can I do? Choose Love!
I don’t write this to induce any more hatred or vitriol in the world, in fact it is quite to the contrary. I write to encourage your response to be one of increased love within your individual sphere of influence.
Many find themselves uncertain as to a course of action in regards to the recent events that took place in Virginia. Social media is abuzz with uncertainty and fear…..”This is not the world I want to raise my children in…..What can I do to stop tragedies like this from happening?…….Why is racism still an issue?…etc” There are no easy answers to these questions, however there are some fundamentals that we have to understand in order to own our own humanity.
Fundamentals
Agency
As members of the human race we have agency to choose. This agency is a double edged sword as some choose fear, hatred, racism, and bigotry, while others choose love, kindness, charity, and goodness. Good and evil have always existed and will continue to exist – there must be opposition in all things. Unfortunately this means that we all will encounter opposing forces to good in our lives. Keep choosing goodness in your own life and bless the lives of those around you!
Perspective
A villain never sees himself as the villain. A lifetime in the theater has taught me that even the most odious antagonist never sees himself/herself as the “villain.” These villains, through their upbringing, experiences, fears, affiliations, mental illness, etc. feel 100% justified in fighting for their cause – often through violence. This is not meant to defend anyone’s actions, simply to state that everyone feels justified in their actions – be they good or evil. Don’t waste your time and energy trying to change someone’s mind or bend their will to align with yours, it won’t work, believe me I have tried!
So….what can we do? Read 1 John chapter 4:18 – There is no fear in love; but perfect love casteth out fear: because fear hath torment. He that feareth is not made perfect in love. If we can begin to practice love, fear will have no place in our society; with an absence of fear, joy and prosperity will abound.
Be the Change
You can absolutely teach, practice, and model love, tolerance, patience, and forgiveness in your own life. This is the only way we can make a difference. You only have direct control over one person in your life….YOU! However, your love, kindness, respect, tolerance and forgiveness will bring joy and hope to others, and begin the change we would like to see world-wide. So share a message of love today, seek forgiveness and forgive. Choose love and BE THE CHANGE you want to see!
Rising Generation
Children are great imitators, whether it is political opinions, personal prejudices, likes, dislikes and so on. You can create the future generation you want in the world by modeling the behaviors, ideas, and ideologies you hope they will grow to have. You can bet the opposition is sadly teaching their children the same prejudice and hatred that they espouse. So prepare your children to counteract that hatred with love. Teach the rising generation – every day – through word and deed.
Be the person who pays goodness forward starting today.
Make a difference with your own choices.
Choose joy, choose kindness, choose forgiveness, and choose love – there will always be haters – don’t be one of them!
How are you choosing love in your life?
Share in a comment below!
Comments
Love this change begins with each one of us in ourselves!!
Thank you! You’re an example of the type of person we all should be! Glad you enjoyed the post!