Lately, it seems like all you see on the news is the latest horror story. Social media is flooded with deaths and shootings. The newest report on the dirty cop who killed an innocent man. The most recent attack; officers whose families now mourn their loss. A shooting at a place you once thought was safe: a concert, a club, a movie theater, a festival. Among them all, these headlines always have one thing in common. The big number. It is always there. The number that remains in everyone’s' minds. The number that gives you an idea of the damage done. It is the number that reduces human lives to just that: a number.
31: The number of unarmed white men killed by police thus far in 2016.
36: The number of unarmed black men killed by police thus far in 2016.
49: The number of people killed in the shooting at a nightclub in Orlando, Florida in June 2016.
62: The number of police officers killed in the line of duty thus far in 2016.
82: The number of people killed in Nice, France just days ago.
202: The number of people wounded in Nice, France just days ago.
Looking at these numbers, it is hard to think that any good is left in the world. Especially to the families and friends who actually knew someone who has become one in the number. It is easy to lose faith in the world and want to blame God or the government or this race or that profession.
That is why, right now, I challenge you to be the good. It may be the hardest thing to do when the world is showing us so much bad, but it is not impossible. It doesn't have to be a huge act of kindness. It can be as simple as what you put on Facebook. Instead of writing how you have lost all hope in the world, talk about the hope you still have for the world and help build that hope in others. Be the person that lets in the sunlight during this dark time.
While these numbers may make your stomach turn and your throat tighten with sadness for those lost to unexplained violence, when you feel yourself losing that bit of hope in the world, think about these numbers:
2: During the attack in Nice, witnesses recall multiple people trying to stop the driver but two people were noticed for their bravery. A motorcyclist tried to jump on the door of the truck to stop the attacker and one policewoman jumped on the hood of the truck, distracting the driver long enough for police to get a shot.
5,300: The number of people who donated blood to nearby blood banks in Orlando, Florida the day after the shooting. The next day so many people came to donate blood that the blood banks had to start turning the crowds away.
22,000: One woman took in a baby who was separated from his family during the attack in Nice and looked after him until she could find his family. The family only found their baby boy because their post on Facebook got over 22,000 shares, which eventually the woman stumbled upon.
We can't control the unexplainable events that happen in the world, but we can control the good. So be the numbers that you don't see on the news. Be the good that gets less attention. Above all, know that there is good in the world and there is bad in the world, but never confuse which one is the majority and which is the minority.
