There's this little thing we call LOVE. I refer to it as 'little' because its been reduced to the act of showing kindness, compassion and care mainly to the people in our immediate family, friends and social circles.
Love was once called charity in the English language and that allows it to take on a whole new meaning. Since charity refers to helping, caring for and showing acts of kindness and love to everyone. This includes people we would think of as strangers and people outside our circle of family and friends. Like people in need, people who are less fortunate, people who cannot help themselves or their circumstance. People who are discriminated against, people who need us to show that we care.
Charity requires us to be our best, to want for others and to do for others what we would want done for ourselves, our children and our families.
So the question we pose to you today is does your emotions, thoughts and acts of love extend to children, women and men that you do not know, whom you may never meet, who may not look like or sound like you or believe as you do?
If your answer is YES (Scroll down to the next paragraph).
If your answer is NO? Ask yourself the following questions...
- Why do I feel or think this way?
- Where and when did I learn to feel or think this way?
- Would I want myself and the people that I care about to be treated with hatred, disrespect or to have their fundamental rights as a person be violated by others?
- Would I want others to help me and my loved ones if they saw us being attacked, hurt, bullied or being stripped of our human dignity and right to life?
- Finally ask yourself what can I do to change my perceptions, beliefs and actions about showing genuine love and charity to others?
One of our favorite quotes states that "no one is born with hate, it is learned" or more specifically taught to us through our societal, cultural, traditional and familial experiences. If hate can be learned, it leaves us with the hope that we can also be taught how to love.
Sometimes what one feels may not be as extreme as hate, it may be indifference or the sentiment that others will take care of things, others whom we wrongfully believe are more experienced, equipped, resourceful, well endowed or more capable than we are. This creates the blind hope that things will simply work themselves out and be alright in the end.
For this very reason of indifference, silence and inaction countless atrocities have occurred on this planet, throughout human history and in our lifetime. As a result an untold number of voices have been silenced, lives have been senselessly destroyed and too many of us have become numb, unable or unwilling to respond in charity and with love in effect losing our humanity.
"When GOOD people remain silent, when GOOD people fail to act, fear overcomes, hate persists and we all lose."
We leave you with one last question...
Ask yourself, what can I do in this moment, right now to give love, show love and be love at this time when it is so desperately needed?
1. Let us first start by widening the scope of who we choose to show love.
2. Then identify where there is a need for love.
3. And follow through by taking the necessary actions toward making life better, safer and happier for those who need it most right now (whether that be through volunteering, donations, signing petitions, activism or exercising your right to campaign and vote for social justice issues).
2. Then identify where there is a need for love.
3. And follow through by taking the necessary actions toward making life better, safer and happier for those who need it most right now (whether that be through volunteering, donations, signing petitions, activism or exercising your right to campaign and vote for social justice issues).
Thank you for joining us in cultivating a life of love for all mankind and remember that;
Most importantly let us remember the value of a human life, it is the most precious thing on this planet and once taken it can never be replaced. So let's not speak of, react to or treat our lives and that of others callously but rather let us celebrate the beauty of life by expressing the best emotion in life to our fellowmen. That emotion is pure, untainted, unpolluted, unbiased, life enhancing, freedom giving LOVE.
A Special message for our readers who are Black, African American and people of color:
We want you to know that we see your pain, we hear your agony, we hurt with you, we cry with you, we peacefully protest with you and we will do our part in every aspect of our lives and relationships to ensure that your voices are heard, your human rights are respected and your lives are valued.
We know it's exhausting, we know it's traumatic seeing these images and videos appear online and on the news over and over again and we are so sorry that so many had to lose their precious lives in order to wake the world up to your continuous struggle and suffering.
Please take care of your minds, take of your children's hearts and minds, let them know that they are loved despite how cruel this world may be.
To our readers who are not Black or African American but who support:
The fight to end racism, racial intolerance, racial biases, systemic oppression and the senseless killing of men, women and children of color.
Thank you for listening, taking the initiative and finding ways to educate yourselves on this matter. Thank you for taking action and becoming agents of change both in your homes and when you step out into the world.
Thank you to the police men and women, members of the National Guard and Army Veterans who spoke up, took a knee or walked with the protesters.
Thank you to those who peacefully protested throughout the world. Your show of solidarity in cities and countries like London, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Germany, Canada etc. and all across the United States is a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.
To our readers who may not fully grasp the significance of this moment in history for the U.S and for the world.
To everyone who is suffering because of and struggling against:
"It is never too late to learn how to do things better and that we can never run out of love to give, it is boundless, limitless and eternal."
Most importantly let us remember the value of a human life, it is the most precious thing on this planet and once taken it can never be replaced. So let's not speak of, react to or treat our lives and that of others callously but rather let us celebrate the beauty of life by expressing the best emotion in life to our fellowmen. That emotion is pure, untainted, unpolluted, unbiased, life enhancing, freedom giving LOVE.
We want you to know that we see your pain, we hear your agony, we hurt with you, we cry with you, we peacefully protest with you and we will do our part in every aspect of our lives and relationships to ensure that your voices are heard, your human rights are respected and your lives are valued.
We know it's exhausting, we know it's traumatic seeing these images and videos appear online and on the news over and over again and we are so sorry that so many had to lose their precious lives in order to wake the world up to your continuous struggle and suffering.
Please take care of your minds, take of your children's hearts and minds, let them know that they are loved despite how cruel this world may be.
Please stay strong, We love you and we are with you!
To our readers who are not Black or African American but who support:
The fight to end racism, racial intolerance, racial biases, systemic oppression and the senseless killing of men, women and children of color.
Thank you for listening, taking the initiative and finding ways to educate yourselves on this matter. Thank you for taking action and becoming agents of change both in your homes and when you step out into the world.
Thank you to the police men and women, members of the National Guard and Army Veterans who spoke up, took a knee or walked with the protesters.
Thank you to those who peacefully protested throughout the world. Your show of solidarity in cities and countries like London, Amsterdam, Milan, Paris, Germany, Canada etc. and all across the United States is a beacon of hope for a better tomorrow.
Thank you for helping to create a better world. We love you too!
To our readers who may not fully grasp the significance of this moment in history for the U.S and for the world.
If nothing else in this article has resonated with you, let your takeaway be this... If history has taught us anything it's that love always wins.
You can CHOOSE to show love, give respect and treat ALL of mankind equally. You can choose to support people of color in their fight for justice and equality and also support the police men and women who serve JUSTLY without harming or discriminating and you can choose to hold those who don't accountable for their actions.
You can choose to sympathize with the victims and families of those who lost their lives because of police brutality and at the same time choose to sympathize with the business owners who are affected because of the looting.
The false notion that supporting the black lives matter movement which raises awareness about the injustices done to people of color, somehow means that you don't care about the lives of police men and women or white lives is a LIE. The notion that racism has ended is also a LIE.
You can CHOOSE to show love, give respect and treat ALL of mankind equally. You can choose to support people of color in their fight for justice and equality and also support the police men and women who serve JUSTLY without harming or discriminating and you can choose to hold those who don't accountable for their actions.
You can choose to sympathize with the victims and families of those who lost their lives because of police brutality and at the same time choose to sympathize with the business owners who are affected because of the looting.
The false notion that supporting the black lives matter movement which raises awareness about the injustices done to people of color, somehow means that you don't care about the lives of police men and women or white lives is a LIE. The notion that racism has ended is also a LIE.
Choose to think outside the box, choose to seek truth, choose LOVE.
To everyone who is suffering because of and struggling against:
All forms of hate and discrimination, are refugees of war or are victims and survivors of the injustices perpetrated throughout the world. May the words of the beautiful song featured below bring you comfort and hope. Don't give up and know that you are loved!
"Let's cultivate love and learn to value life in our minds, in our hearts and in our homes, so that together we can fix our broken world."
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ReplyDeleteA life of love is equivalent to understanding respect and understanding. Listen and be open to others. With love it would be a better world.
It certainly would.
DeleteIt is unbelievable - these things that are going on right now in the world. I am Asian, but I have been a victim of racism in my own country! Just because I don't have fair skin, I am stereotyped as being "poor." Fair skinned women always have the advantage here. Can you imagine how big a business these whitening products are over here? Ugh. It is not about skin color. It is about how pure our hearts are. I hope people would look beyond skin color.
ReplyDeleteSo sorry you have to experience this Kristine, we cannot force others to see the beauty of all skin colors but we can certainly do better ourselves and teach as many as we can to become better themselves.
DeleteI enjoyed seeing our local police department join in and take a knee with the protestors. It is such a powerful message and I am happy to live in a town with police that are wanting to be involved in change for the better.
ReplyDeleteIt really sends a powerful message that they acknowledge the major problems that exist and that they want to be part of the solution. Hope all Police departments would respond the same way rather than go on the defensive.
DeleteI just can't believe what is going on right now! I really hope this would lead to a better and just world.
ReplyDeleteYes so do we.
DeleteIt breaks my heart to see what's happening right now. I pray everyday for change. I am happy to see everyone doing their little part and I just hope things will get better.
ReplyDeleteAgreed, everyone doing their part is how we will bring about change.
DeleteIt's heartbreaking to see our country in such turmoil right now but I believe it will make us better and more united in the end.
ReplyDeleteOvercoming adversity and doing good really does unite us.
DeleteIt's seem hard to even think about charity and how it requires kindness, compassion, good will and good action towards total strangers. Have we really been so far disconnected from each other that it feel so out of reach for so many? I hope that the current times will continue to change us to listen more closely and to start caring for one another. I know it's a change that I have to work on daily. #blacklivesmatter #love #justice
ReplyDeleteWe are grateful for the change that we see happening as a result, first within us and also in the world.
DeleteRacism is not what we should teach our kids but love and that we are all equal no matter the colour of our skin
ReplyDeleteExactly!
DeleteI could not even finish the video when George was captured. At the same time, I felt angry, frustrated and wanted justice to be heard and imposed.
ReplyDeleteThe video is heartbreaking and traumatizing and a big call to action for all.
DeleteLove that you're standing up for this! It's such an important issue - and it's been so sad seeing the police brutality videos.
ReplyDeleteThe more of these horrible stories we see and hear the more heartbreak we feel, the more we want change now, we cannot pass on a world so broken to our children.
Deletei think its the best life to lead ! love and kindness it goes a long way kind regards Pati Robins @ style-squeeze.blog
ReplyDeleteIt sure does!
DeleteLOVE this line of self-reflection right now. It's really perfect and a great way to start the day.
ReplyDeleteSelf reflection is key because change always begins internally, only then we can create change in the world around us and at large.
DeleteOnly way to beat the darkness is with light and only way to beat hate is with love. Wonderful post
ReplyDeleteExactly we should both criminalize acts of hate and at the same time teach how to love.
DeleteLove and understanding will help us get through this trying time. I hope that big changes are in the works and that people can feel safe
ReplyDeleteI hope so too, change is needed now while we have free and open dialogue.
DeleteLiving a life of love universally would change our whole world! I am fortunate to live in an area that the majority of people do show love for each other, even strangers in the store. But unfortunately, the few that do not live that way tend to make things less than pleasant for the rest. Maybe if we continue to show love to even those that don't they will eventually learn by our example.
ReplyDeleteHopefully they will learn but until then laws and measures need to be put in place to not only educate but criminalize acts of hate and discrimination.
DeleteLove id definitely what we need in times like this. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteIt sure is.
DeleteThere really have been some awful things that have happened to people by people. It is atrocities like that that I will never understand. I like your call to action to do something good now. That makes the only good sense we can have right now or at any time when things like this are going on.
ReplyDeleteExactly we cannot remain silent, we would want others to help us if the roles were reversed.
DeleteRemaining silent is choosing one side. I choose to support and speak out against racism. I educate myself, I amplify Black voices, I partner and co-create with my Block partners, I support Black owned business, I have difficult conversations, and I stand up no matter what.
ReplyDeleteThat's exactly what we should all do!
DeleteIt is so important to teach love and equality. We need to do better.
ReplyDeleteWe certainly do!
DeleteThis post is very deep and meaningful..I am seriously surprised over what is happening in the world..in one way this covid has badly effected and on other hand racism is getting more common...Great work...(World in Eyes)
ReplyDeleteThe pandemic has certainly given us all time for self reflection and has forced to pay attention and listen to what is happening/affecting others in the world around us. Racism has always been here but we are finally paying attention and taking action to stop it, that is a start.
DeleteThis article is very awesome, it brings peace and encouragement to the mind in striving for peace. We are all one in the sight of God, he knows why he created us just the way we are, I believe it's to bring glory to His Holy Name. Reading the word of God and commandments and showing how children the way to go through our characters towards friends and neighbors would be of great help.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed we need to develop, reinforce and strive for a character of love towards all.
DeleteLoved an enjoyed your blog. Will recommend it to my friends.
ReplyDeleteThank you Norma, I hope they will also be inspired by this article.
DeleteRacism should not be learn or see by our kids and for me, it is important to teach our kids to treat people with love and kindness not matter what race or skin color they have.
ReplyDeleteSo true but we do have to do more than tell them we also have to show them in the way we live our lives, who we invite into our friendship circles and how we treat them.
DeleteRacism is everywhere, it was always there. And it is high time that we stand with and for each other.
ReplyDeleteYes, racism is everywhere even here in Australia where majority are immigrants. We can't get anything from being a racist, just hurting feeling and restless sleep.
Delete100% agree!
DeleteAny human being has the right to be, to live, to create.
ReplyDeleteAll begins with the FAMILY. You can seed and nurture LOVE. Or a family can do it the other way around.
Yes we need to foster love for others in out family and homes.
DeleteI love your message on the value of human life. Every human life matters. I have always tried to teach my children to be inclusive of people who are different from them, and I encourage other mothers to do the same.
ReplyDeleteWe agree, children are the future and if they are taught and also shown how to treat others they will hold on those values.
DeleteI used to speak up on social media against the hatred that I see around, most especially during this pandemic. However I am guilty of keeping silent now, because I got tired of the whole thing. I am not sure if I ever want to voice my POVs again any time soon.
ReplyDeleteThe world really can be a cruel place and we have seen the onslaught of horrible comments against people who do speak up BUT never let the fear of what others will say stop you from doing what is right.
DeleteThis is so beautifully written, insightful and wise. I pray that we all choose love over hatred and bigotry.
ReplyDeleteYes, choose love indeed! :)
DeleteAmazing article! We all need to show love and respect to those we do not know...love the history of the word love too!
ReplyDeleteWe wholeheartedly agree!
DeleteThis is such a daunting and crazy time almost as if we as a society are going back into the past and not moving into the future. I sincerely pray that people love more instead of spreading hatred.
ReplyDeleteGreat observation, it makes the saying that "those who do not learn from the past are doomed to repeat it" eerily true.
DeleteDefinitely! I mean widening our scope of choosing people towards whom we are kind is going to help a lot. Beautiful post :)
ReplyDeleteThank you and you're right it really does come down to choice, anything else is simply an excuse.
Delete