“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.
The world is on fire- literally and figuratively. There are natural disasters going on around the Nation. There is a virus running rampant that has claimed the lives of almost 830,000 humans. Racial injustice and civil unrest are running rampant amongst society. And on top of all of that, it’s an election year. While the circumstances we find ourselves in are dark, it is imperative we recognize and acknowledge what is going on. If we aren’t careful, we can sucked into a rabbit hole of “doomsday scrolling” or consuming too much news. If we consume all of this news without the intention of creating change, our mental and psychological well-being takes a hit.
Now, more than ever, the world is in need of empathy, compassion, and kindness. I received a text message from my best friend yesterday that made my heart hurt. It said “Hey brother. The world is crazy and I can truly say this is the first time I’m afraid to be Black in America. I love you for never seeing race.”
While some of us might not understand what it’s like to grow up Black in America (including me), survive a natural disaster, or be racially discriminated against, it is absolutely imperative that we acknowledge the pain inflicted and felt by so many. We must acknowledge the fact that we might make more (or less) money, be provided with more (or less) opportunities, and live a more peaceful and prosperous (or unjust and unequal) life solely due to the color of our skin. It is not fair. It is not right. And change is necessary! We need more love in this world and love is to recognize others, as ourselves. We are all one.
I’m not saying don’t educate yourself on current events. I am saying to be mindful of the correlation between how much media you are consuming and what you are actively doing to make this world a more loving and compassionate place!
Peace and Love.
Co-Written with Taylor Rhode
