Whether we were “with her” or voting to “make America great again” in this past election, we will all be watching a new president as he is sworn into office this coming Friday, January 20th, 2017.
There has been a lot of controversy regarding the election all throughout, and fighting amongst people, news sources, and other media outlets has become something we see daily. Our country is divided, but even though some are ecstatic about the outcome of the presidential race and others are much less so, we must remember that the United States of America was built upon freedom of all sorts, and we have to work together no matter who is in office to make this country one of acceptance, unification, and love.
No matter how you are feeling about the major political change this week, here are some quotes to remind you of some ideals we must always try to keep in mind here in the 21st century:
Inclusion:
“All forms of life are more alike than different.” – Rachel Carson, Silent Spring
"This is a big, gigantic, beautiful, colorful world, and it only works with inclusion and empathy." – Pharrell Williams
Forgiveness:
“…[to] recognize the negative consequences of revenge and the value of forgiveness…I think [this] is what it really means to be civilized.” – Mary Shelley, Frankenstein
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
Love:
“We are created in order to love.” – Pope Francis
“The only thing we never get enough of is love; and the only thing we never give enough of is love.” – Henry Miller
Compassion:
“Be kind, for everyone you meet is fighting a harder battle.” – Plato
“If we have no peace, it is because we have forgotten that we belong to each other.” – Mother Teresa
Acceptance:
“Understanding is the first step to acceptance, and only with acceptance can there be recovery.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
“There can never be true peace as long as a single human being is violated in his or her personal identity.” – Pope Francis
Unity:
“True joy comes from a profound harmony between persons, something which we all feel in our hearts and which makes us experience the beauty of togetherness…” – Pope Francis
“We are only as strong as we are united, as weak as we are divided.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire
Respect:
“Respect other people's feelings. It might mean nothing to you, but it could mean everything to them.” Roy T. Bennett
One of my favorite priests during Mass a few years ago said:
“You do not have to agree with someone’s decision, but you must respect them."
And that stuck with me.
I think no matter what our views are on just about any issue, especially today, we can learn from that and create a more united, understanding community of love and acceptance.
All in all, we must remember that before we are anything else, we are one nation that must work together to make for a more kind, compassionate, generous, and inclusive future.
