The world is broken. In all the chaos, tragedy, hate and violence this is the one thing I do know. There are no easy solutions, and frankly I think it will take more pain and loss for people to understand they must give up what they want to do what is right. We all want one thing: An end to violence and tragedy.
The problem is we haven't evaluated enough on what we need to do and sacrifice for this topic. Frankly, I am tired of talking and reading politics. I am tired of waiting for change and policy, and I understand thoughts and prayers only go so far. God's giving us the tools, we just aren't using them.
I am done waiting for the world to get it together. I am exhausted by Facebook tangents and I am unsure of a solution. What I do know is we all have the power to make the world a little less grey and broken and a little more light and healing. Here are five things you can do to make the world a little less broken.
1. Compliment People
Let's face it, everyone likes being complimented. If someone's outfit or hair looks great today, tell them. If someone gave a great speech at work or school, tell them. Make people feel good about themselves.
2. Random Acts of Kindness
Buy the person behind you their Starbucks in the drive-thru. Write an old friend some snail mail or give them a call and check in. Leave a treat in your friend's locker or on their desk. Choose to be randomly kind.
3. Make People Count
Stop looking at your phone and look at and really listen to people talking to you. Respect people's beliefs and opinions, ask questions when you disagree instead of just arguing. Try to understand people, make them count.
4. Think Before You Speak
Bite your tongue, and hold back your words. Only talk to people in a way you want to be spoken too, understand even ignorant people deserve to be treated with respect and dignity.
5. Accept People
Accept people for who they are. The world will never see peace or change if we remain un-united. We must band together, despite our differences, and make change. It starts with you.
We are all angry and hurt and frustrated with the terrible events in the world. We all want justice and peace. We will never get there un-united. For those of us ready to band together, these are a few things to do while we wait for the rest of them to join us.
"We ourselves feel that what we are doing is just a drop in the ocean, but the ocean would be less because of that missing drop" -Mother Teresa