For those of you who do not know, France was hit by a series of terrorist attacks on November 13. More than 100 people have been killed, more than 200 have been injured, hostages were taken, and France has closed its borders after declaring a state of emergency.
This is a letter to the individuals residing in France as they continue to stay strong through these heartbreaking times.
Dear France,
There is so much evil and destruction in the world, and it feels as though there is no way to stop it. Evil is like a contagious disease without a cure. It is spread through thoughts and actions and words. It is spread through hatred and deceit and a lack of love. It tears through countries, it rips through relationships, and it destroys the beauty that allows us to look forward to waking up every morning. There is potential within each one of us to find that evil, but those who choose to succumb to it are weak in their minds and cowardice in their hearts. As demonstrated by the events on November 13, there is no telling when evil will take a deadly, physical form. It will never disappear from our society, but we can fight it. And fight it you have. And fight it we will.
Even amid the chaos on that very dark Friday, you still found a way to show courage and loyalty and love, risking your own lives to show that the good in the world is not frightened by the actions of those who only carry hate in their hearts. Thousands of people gathered in the streets and held signs reading, “Not Afraid.” Not many people would be able to face their enemies like that, but the ultimate way to destroy evil is to stand united against it and that is exactly what you did.
As your President, Francois Hollande, said "France is strong and even if she is wounded she will get up always and nothing will hold her down."
Unfortunately, evil will continue to flood our society with words of animosity and actions that will make even the strongest sick, but we are ready for it because in our hearts, there is good and courage. This good shines in the face of evil, this courage laughs at the very thought of it. The good causes those evil hearts to twist and turn because their cause is dead. They have no power because we have no fear. It is no more because we are not afraid.
You stood with us, and now we stand with you, France. Thank you for reminding us how to be brave again. Our thoughts will forever be with you and those that were lost will never be forgotten.
Sincerely,
Someone who can only hope to be as brave as you one day
