Beyond Differences

Throughout history, people have endured terrible treatment because they’ve been seen as different, and somehow less, because of ancestry, race, color, religion, age, gender, disability, etc. 

It is wrong. It has never been right.

Those attitudes and actions show a disconnect, an Us-vs-Them mentality, based on perceived differences. Looking at history we see the results. Hate always breeds hate, and violence undoubtedly brings further violence. If all you see are differences you don’t relate to, then you fail to see a living, feeling, worthwhile human being and the cycle continues. Atrocities happen when human dignity is ignored. 

Today there is a great mirror reflecting on society, and strong emotions are being expressed. Do not ignore another’s pain, and do not turn away. The expression of deep hurt is an invitation to intimate understanding. 

For each of us, life is a matter of the heart because that is where right and wrong, good and evil, is ultimately decided. And while you can see the differences people are born into, you can’t see what motivates individuals. Judge each person by their actions and not their appearance.

Let’s also look into the mirror at ourselves. What do your words and actions reveal about you? Are they reflecting your beauty or your pain? What are you bringing into the world?

You only have control over yourself but you change the world, one way or the other, by how you act. The challenge is to continually grow into a wiser, kinder, more understanding version of yourself.

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Volume 11, Issue 7, Posted 4:52 PM, 07.06.2020