2015 was a great year for the world. The number of people living in poverty was cut by half, the first model with Down Syndrome walked in New York Fashion Week, the Every Child Succeeds Act replaced the No Child Left Behind Act, Viola Davis won an Emmy and the economy is doing well. Many people had success in 2015 and want to carry that over into the new year.
2015 was also full of tragedy. There have been over 350 shootings , the Syrian refuge crisis, terrorism attacks on Paris and Donald Trump. Many people, including myself, have lost loved ones this year as well. In general, the world is just filled with a lot of hate. So, in wake of all that is going on in the world, I want to suggest a mantra to carry into the new year: Proverbs 10:12.
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." (ESV)
Basically, hatred causes bad things in the world, but love forgives anything you or someone has done to another.
Even if you aren't Christian, you should know it is better to love than to hate. I have been learning this myself very recently, as I have reconnected with people who I formerly had grudges with. It is a relieving feeling to forgive and to be forgiven, and even sparking that old friendship back.
And the best part? It's not that hard. You love your family, your friends and your significant other? Take the love you show them and show it to the world.
Now some people may say that the world has done them wrong, or no one likes them so why should they try and give back to the world, etc. Yes, no one is perfect so not everyone is going to be the best person they can be at all times. But little acts of kindness to strangers can always be a good start.
Here are a few ways you can help spread love in 2016.
1. Be kind.
It's the simplest one but can be the hardest. Treat everyone like they are your equal, and your eyes may open up.
2. Tell your loved ones that you love them.
Even if you and your loved ones may fight, you always make up somehow. Take a friend or a family member out to lunch. Spend a few dollars to cheer up your significant other on a random day.
3. Donate at least some money to charities or organizations.
Anything helps, and knowing that you're potentially helping people all around the world does feel good.
4. Make up with old feuds and reach out to old friends.
When my old friend passed away this year, it made me want to love my friends more. With that mindset, also making terms with people you had issues with is relieving and you can possibly become friends with them again.
5. Volunteer/Participate in a mission trip.
Whether you're going to help at an animal shelter or traveling to Africa to drill wells for those who don't have clean water, you're benefitting someone's life.
6. Don't discriminate.
Many people have opinions against those who practice different religions or have different sexual orientations than them. Just because someone is different than you does not mean they are more or less equal than you. We are all human, after all.
In conclusion, there is too much hate in the world, but we can all make a change. Let's make 2016 the year of love.
