Tragedy, when it comes, is like a sickness. It starts in one place, then spreads like a virus. Before long, everywhere and everyone seems to be affected.

Most people have experienced some form of tragedy or devastation in their lifetime. Though some have had to cope with hardship more often than others, we all know that with each tragedy comes a grieving process. During this time, we search for comfort, closure and understanding -- though often we feel left without answers. We'll hear things like "Everything happens for a reason," "God has a plan," "Great change is always preceded by chaos," and the list goes on. Though we'd like to believe these all to be true, facing them amidst the many trials in our lives can feel like an uphill battle -- or an endless mountain climb.

Though I wish I could, I am not going to provide answers. I don't have them. What I do hope to provide is some comfort and reassurance that the world is not all violence and misfortune. That maybe good really can triumph over evil. That there is still beauty in this world determined to be so ugly.

It seems we often look for someone to blame. The police officers, the law breakers, the husband, the wife, the terrorist, the terrorized. We seek closure in this determination, and while there are bad guys and people at fault, perhaps looking for someone to blame should not be our focus. I know in adversity many people do one of two extremes: they rely on their faith like never before, or they abandon it completely. I know these times are frustrating and don't make any sense, but I encourage you to remain strong in your faith. It's okay to have questions and doubts. But what is needed in a catastrophe is not hatred -- that's how it started -- it's love.

America is supposed to be "the land of the free, and the home of the brave." We are free to be brave. I believe wholeheartedly that spreading love in times like these is brave. There is enough hatred and picking of sides. What if rather than always having to pick a side, pick who's at fault; we pick to show love to all who are hurting?

I believe that spreading love can do no harm. It won't give us the answers or solve all of the problems (who knows if anything can); but it can provide comfort, support, healing, and promote peace.

I've said "times like these" a few times. I'm tired of "times like these" referring to times of violence, hatred, and tragedy. I want "times like these" to be the times when love overcame tragedy. When there is more love being spread around our country and our world than we know what to do with. Searching for answers and living in hatred can be so tiresome and leave us feeling more empty and broken than before. Putting our hope in love may not end the world's tragedies, but I can guarantee with even more certainty that spreading more hatred won't either.

Let's turn to each other with open arms and lift each other up.

Let's find peace in the comfort of others.

Let's be brave.

Let's spread love.