Let It Begin With Me

It makes my heart hurt. 

Everywhere you turn, it seems as if people are...  well...  one big bunch of angry, hurtful, hateful beings.

Being rude to each other in traffic and crowds. 

Posting terribly mean things about others online and calling it free speech.

We consider anyone with an opposing viewpoints or opinions to be ignorant, close-minded, or just plain evil.

We turn our backs on those we see as different or less-than.

Police shooting people.  People shooting police.

Shooting into groups of people for their political beliefs or religious beliefs or sexual orientation (or just because...)

Driving vehicles through crowds.

Blowing up young people just trying to enjoy an evening of music.

ENOUGH!! 

The hate has to stop.  It has to begin with each and every one of us.  We ALL have to be nicer to each other.   Kinder.  More understanding, patient, and tolerant. I realize that's a major over-simplification.  We aren't going to stop the violence, the terrorism, and the wars overnight just by being a little nicer to each other.

But it HAS to start somewhere.

If each and every one of us was active and intentional about being kind, tolerant, and patient.  More forgiving - what sort of change might we start seeing in the state of the world?

I know...  I hear you thinking it.  I've thought it myself.  "But they don't deserve kindness! They are so _____! "

Don't do it because they deserve it.  Do it because it's the right thing to do.  Do it to set the example.  Do it because it has to start somewhere.

• Rethink before you post that snarky tweet or that negative comment.

• The next time you want to point out what someone is doing wrong, instead point out something positive you have seen.

• Bite your tongue.  

• Pray for someone you disagree with or someone who has hurt you. 

• Look for opportunities to be kind.  To show patience. 

• Forgive someone.  Whether or not they have asked for it.  Whether or not they deserve it or not.

It's like the old saying - "Be the change you want to see in the world."  We can't change the entire world.  But we can each change our little piece of it.