I have been trying to wrap my head around the events that have gone on since this summer started. I did not have a picture perfect view of this world, but I didn't think it could be this cruel.
I didn't think someone would drive a truck into a festival and kill 84 people.
When I heard about this news, it had already happened. I had just finished visiting some friends and was traveling down the interstate on a pretty North Carolina hot day listening to the 1975. Even at 19, it is incredibly difficult to think my simple life that parallels with someone on the other side of the world can be so different.
I didn't think police officers could be so cruel.
Before I continue, I want to say that I am not saying every police officer is a bad one or has ulterior motives when it comes to someone of a different race or culture. I am naive to the fact, even still, that there are bad people in this world. As a citizen of this country, especially a young woman, I would hope that a police officer would be able to keep me safe from harm or to help me if harm comes my way. I have met some wonderful police officers and I know for a fact, they would. On the flip side, I have met some awful police officers who just love having that power. I would hope to think that the US starts to have a more extensive training program for police officers.
I didn't think I would see a racial and social divide in my lifetime, especially this one that has extremes.
The social divide that has happened in this country is ridiculous. I see the open mindedness and acceptance while walking around my diverse campus and city. I can only hope that my generation will be the one to bring social change to this world.
I honestly thought I would never find out the true meaning of hate for one another is.
What happened in Orlando on June 12th shook everyone to their core. What that shooter felt is the true meaning of hate. I may hate hot weather, when I somehow get wrapped up into a political conversation, or when Starbucks gets my order wrong. I can not fathom how someone could have so much hate in them that they would go off and end forty nine lives without a blink of an eye.
When it comes to cars or being a home owner, everything breaks at once it seems. That is what it feels like with the massacres that have taken place recently. As soon as a country starts to heal or hearts can sleep somewhat more peacefully at night, another nightmare occurs. I just can't wait for a week to go by when lives were not ended in the worse way possible. I pray every night for peace on this Earth, love that will grow and never be stopped, and justice for those who are unfairly hurt or discriminated against. I know I'm not the only one who does, I just can't wait for that prayer to be answered.
"When the power of love overcomes the love of power, the world will know peace"- Jimmie Hendrix
