The massacre in Orlando that occurred just last week has left the country with the far too familiar feelings of loss, tragedy, heartbreak, and fear. Horrible attacks of violence, destruction, and terrorism have been occurring in this country since long before 9/11, but they seem to be appearing much more frequently and aggressively since that day. Not only in the United States of America, but worldwide. I don't pretend to be an expert on anything regarding terrorist attacks or terrorist organizations, but I don't have to be to feel and see what these attacks leave us with or how they leave the world feeling.
The Paris attacks. The bombing in Brussels. The Boston Marathon bombing. The mass shooting in Orlando. We all heard about them, receiving frequent updates from the news and various social media platforms. The terrorist group, ISIS, has continually taken credit for each attack. I don't know much about ISIS, except that I'm afraid of them. I'm afraid of what they have done and what they will continue to do. I'm also aware that fear is a prominent goal and aim of their motives. They want us all to be fearful, to feel as if no on is safe; not at a concert, not at a marathon, not even at an all inclusive nightclub.
Frank Langella, in accepting his Tony last Sunday at the Annual Tony Awards, read off a quote in lieu of the horrific shooting that had taken place earlier that same day: "When something bad happens, we have three choices. We let it define us, we let it destroy us, or we let it strengthen us". ISIS and all other terrorist groups and hateful individuals would have it destroy us. They would have it break us apart and fall to our knees; fearful, hateful, and angry. Those are all natural emotions that will inevitably occur, but we can feel and experience them without letting them define or destroy us. Because out of tragedy, each and every time, is the emergence of unwavering love, support, and aid, not only within the community affected, but worldwide. In tragedy, global communities have come together out of love, rising from the ashes of destruction and behaving selflessly.
Humanity is good. I believe that, despite what terrorists might have us think. Humanity is good, and love is the most powerful force in existence. No matter how it seems, no matter how bad it gets, no matter how hard and how diligently others try to destroy and convince others of the destruction of hope and love, both will prevail. As long as we continue to love, to love strongly, boldly, and with all of our hearts, we will prevail. They can not separate us, nor can they pit us against each other, nor can they make us lose hope, so long as we all stand together as one, with love for everyone, no matter our differences.
