Gun violence, murders, home invasions, mass shootings… these are the only things we see on the news. Race, threats, acceptance and individuality are the only fears and feelings that we now face. We, as the world, live in a time where being offended no longer matters. It shouldn’t. What should matter is love. Loving your neighbor, loving your enemy and loving yourself are the only tools we have when nothing is left. Think about it… when everything hits the fan, what do you do? Do you reach out to your neighbor and tell them that if you can take it, then you can make it? Or do you result in violence.
People today are wondering what has happened, or rather, when the connection was lost between generations. Before, people used to give the shirt off their back for a complete stranger. How many times do you see that on a day to day basis now? Parents, when was the last time you looked your child in the face and said, “Son/daughter, always love. No one should be denied that.”
“I know you may say I’m a dreamer, but I’m not the only one.” –John Lennon
Lennon believed in a world where there was peace, love and happiness. A world where we did nothing but exist together and yet all we do is accuse our neighbors for looking at us in the wrong way. Better yet, we blame people for horrific events based on their religion, race or beliefs. This is so wrong. Not every person you meet from a certain religious group will try and hurt you or convert you. This is crazy. We used to exist together, so to speak, because that was what helped the world go round. Why is it that we are falling apart?
Growing up, I was taught to always love thy neighbor regardless of how heartless or evil they may seem. Personally, I feel that we have lost that sense of love. We have lost sight of the love for our families, our friends, our neighbors and our strangers.
“But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be sons of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked.” Luke 6:35
It doesn’t matter what religion you are, in my mind, but it does matter in how we treat others. I am sick and tired of reading that someone died in the news because their hearts were lacking love. I am tired of seeing Facebook posts of people saying the end of the world is coming. In all honesty, it most likely is and everyday we are closer to it. If that is the case, then the time to act is now. It is time to reach out to someone you don’t know and show a sign of love. Whether it is buying their coffee or a simple hello, the principle of affection seems to never go out of date.
I dream everyday of a world where I can wake up in the morning and see us all getting along. I want to know that when I have kids, they will be able to go outside and play in the yard and I don’t have to worry. It is now 2016 and I challenge all of you reading this. My goal is to have this article reiterate the fact that without love for one another, regardless of who or what they are, there is no hope. I pray for the next generation to be loving, caring and understanding. We are all holding hands in this world and we are slowly starting to let go and stand alone. I don’t know about you but I feel that standing strong together stands for a better future than it does standing alone. What do you think?
