As I try to wrap my head around how long ago this day actually was — and how fresh in my mind it all still is — I can’t get over how divided we’ve become over the years. As I think of friends lost and the reality of it all, I still believe in the challenge I put forth last year.
In a nutshell;
For a moment let’s forget about religions, politics, and philosophies.
For a moment let’s simply be kind, do good, and get better.
Let’s shed every other aspect of our beliefs except for one.
The Golden Rule:
Do unto others as you would have done to you. Treat others with the same levels of kindness, respect, and fairness that you would want for yourself.
Simple.
Maybe I’m being naive and this is simply not as simple as I’d like to think. But I still feel there’s a glimmer of hope. I have to. To think otherwise would make me curl up and fade into darkness. I can’t do that.
As tensions and violent rhetoric have mutated through society, as those in power continue to try and force their beliefs on the rest of us, I can also see many people fighting back.
Protesting unfair actions.
Resisting law enforcement overreach.
Assisting those being wrongfully attacked.
We need to take it further — or that is take it smaller. Each of us. One to one. Person to person. Not just the masses taking to the streets (as important as that is). Reach out to strangers, family, and friends for no other reason than to make their day better.
Do unto others as you would have done to you.
Stop sharing memes and pretending that this means anything. Stop yelling into the void of social media. Get to know your neighbors. Learn about their art, their food, their music. The smallest of gestures can bounce through a community until it inspires someone else to do the same.
Kindness is contagious.
So again this year I’m asking everyone;
For a moment let’s forget about religions, politics, and philosophies.
For a moment let’s simply be kind, do good, and get better.
Cheers!
Stephen
May your strength give us strength
May your faith give us faith
May your hope give us hope
May your love give us love
– Bruce Springsteen “Into the Fire”
Imagine Peace
