Within the last few years. Within the last year. Within the last month. Within the last week. Within the last 24 hours, there have been too many attacks and acts of violence around the world. Too many to count on our hands and feet, and too many that have gone unnoticed.
The world is mourning, praying, thinking, speaking, shouting, crying for help, and still our neighbors are waking up without their loved ones, with tears on their faces, without hope, and with blood on their hands. Through the continuous periods of mourning, periods that seem to be on an endless cycle, we are still responding to violence with violence.
Unfortunately, there are attacks, ambushes, shootings, fights, crashes, and bombs that continue to destroy us in every corner of the world. No matter how big, no matter how small, these are all acts of hate. These are all acts of terror, no matter who is behind it. These are all acts of violence operating on multiple, vicious cycles.
It goes without question that all lives matter, but when acts of violence are pointed directly at a specific demographic, they should not be dismissed as anything less important. Black lives matter. Blue lives matter. Trans lives matter. Queer lives matter. Latinx lives matter. Muslim lives matter.
We are living in a time where everything is happening directly in front of us. Social media has established our current way of communicating and hearing about everything that is happening in the world, every minute and every second. Yet those same platforms are also a distraction. We’re updated at the same time that we choose to turn a blind eye or be heard.
If you’re not one to voice your thoughts on social media, or if you're not one to discuss these issues, just know that the world is still hurting and healing. You don’t need to talk about it; no one is forcing you to do so. However, take a little time to listen. Listen to your neighbors, your friends, and your family. Sometimes listening with an open mind is the greatest act of compassion toward others.
Let love be louder than the violence. Do what you need to do to get through the world’s most recent, tragic events. Maintain the distractions that help you cope and keep you sane. Provide a space for people to come together. Voice your opinions, but do it without causing further harm. Show a desire for the better, even in the smallest of ways.
