The following post popped up in my Facebook memories. I suppose this was the beginning of my writings for my blog, which I originally published in August 2020. The sentiments I share still hold strong.

I will add that as a society, if we are not intentional in our actions and words, we are doomed to succeed in humanity. As we take time this weekend to honor those who fought for our country, I pray we will stand united and not just use this time for barbecues.

I have a lot on my mind lately, as I am sure many of you do. This world pandemic has affected all of us in ways that we cannot fathom in modern day history. Humankind has been through many trials and tribulations since we came into this earth, but this, being my lifetime, my world now, with my family, is something I believe is so unprecedented.

In a world full of instant communication and sharing of information, we can take what we see or learn and make choices. We have seen many positive actions taken, like thanking our healthcare workers, our educators and all the other “do-gooders” out there just trying to get through another day of social isolation and/distancing.

As humans, we are social in nature. Being cooped long can take a toll on anyone, especially for those with mental illness or other struggles they live with everyday. Technology has been our best friend throughout this, because we have been able to “see each other” via Zoom, Skype, FaceTime, or any other video/audio program. It has enabled us to remain connected, even if we cannot be there for one another in person.

However, it is not in our nature to remain isolated too long and we can see that everyone around the country and world are trying to get back to a new “normal”. But how can we really do so without the constant fear in the back of our minds of a resurgence? It’s all so confusing and frustrating because we yearn for companionship, socializing and just being with others. It’s Human Nature. I also strongly believe that those with mental illness are extremely vulnerable and we need to take care of them the best we can.

What baffles me the most that the events that have taken place in the last week are completely atrocious and makes me sad for our society. I feel angry, but I mostly feel disappointed that despite all the good cheer we have been sharing with everyone, we are falling apart or going backwards with violence, riots, downright rudeness and disregard for one another.

One of my teens is pretty insightful and the tragedy of George Floyd’s death and now Operation Pridefall (it’s an anti-LGBTQ+ propaganda campaign) coming up in June is making him question what is wrong with our world? I try to offer words of wisdom, support and an open ear. How do I tell my kid that “this too, shall pass” when our history shows when one tragedy ends, another comes along at some point and that we need to remain steadfast and strong and hold our heads up high and ignore the haters?

All that comes to mind is that we can voice ourselves against the wrong in a peaceful way and not choose violent or threatening acts to get our points across. We must remember those who fought for Civil Rights and did it in an inspirational way, not buy killing or spitting or looting, but by prayer, positive and powerful words and peaceful actions.

Who were some of those that fought against the hatred and prevailed or at least inspired a movement? Ghandi, Martin Luther King, Jr., Mother Teresa to name a few. But there are several others who sacrificed themselves to the point of imprisonment and even death to spread the words of Love and Peace. Even if you don’t believe, we can look at our biblical history and see how followers of Jesus stood up for what they believed and died for it, too.

Personally, I am not that strong of a person. But I do have a voice that I can express here because of our forefathers of the United States without being persecuted. And for that, I am grateful.

I told a group I belong to that I had an urge to get out on a soapbox and speak my mind about how we need to continue doing good for others and to let go of our old ways of violent protests. Would anyone listen? I pray for the families who have suffered and died due to this pandemic. I pray for those with mental illness. I pray for all those have lost their lives unduly or unjustly. I pray for our leaders, our educators, and law enforcement. I pray our children. Most of all, I pray for humanity. If anything this pandemic has taught us is that WE ARE HUMAN and WE ARE GOOD. We can choose the path of Light or live in the dark side. I will always choose LOVE and EMPATHY for people because what are we without that?

But I will not only pray, but take action in a way I know I can make an impact. Perhaps it’s by helping others? Maybe sending a care package to someone who needs their spirits lifted? All I know is that I will never stop caring for people and will speak out against those who place judgement on others in a peaceful and thoughtful way. I leave you a couple quotes from Martin Luther King, Jr.:

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Letter from Birmingham Jail, April 16, 1963

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”

Martin Luther King, Jr.

Strength to Love, 1963