In our post-election world, it can be hard to remember one basic fact: be kind.
Without a doubt, there are people who are different than you. There are people who will not agree with you, and there are those who will even incite such anger in you that you did not know where it came from.
You might be asking how it is possible to remember this simple fact in a world that seems wrought by desolation and despair, but it is possible to be the light in the darkness. Human dignity of another demands that we should exercise kindness.
Before you write me off for being idealistic: it really is possible to be kind. It's about hearing the person out before you analyze every bit of their point of view. It's about waiting to respond until the person has said what they were going to say. Whether or not you agree with the person you're engaging with, that person has a right to their opinion.
The world wants to squash it out because it's easier to harbor anger and hatred towards other in our hearts. In a world that seeks revenge, be the one to seek forgiveness. Anger is the result of deep wounds, and the angrier we are, the more we are hurting.
Each of us have our own experiences in life that have lead us to where we are today. Everyone we meet is fighting some sort of battle, and all of our opinions matter.
It might be really difficult when someone else's response ignites anger in you, or you think their opinion is incorrect and misinformed. The most important thing to remember in this worldly fight today is that your response is the only thing you can control. If your response is one of peace, it will cause a ripple effect to make the world a better place.
I promise it's possible. It's okay to be angry and outraged. However, it's not okay to act on that anger towards other people. Exercise kindness, and you'll feel much better afterwards.
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." - Martin Luther King Jr.
