We can do & be better!

         Our world is in turmoil. Turn on the news, or open your social media, or walk down the street.  What do you see or hear? Better yet, what do our children see or hear? Hatred, Anger, Resentment? Or Love, Joy, Acceptance? I know what I WISH my children and grandchildren would see.

         As I wrote in my last blog post, “Now Is The Time To Lead By Example.”  It is up to us.  We are being called to LEAD.  
“Be the change you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi. 
I have also seen this written as “Be the light you want to see in the world.”  

          Every one of us is born with that light burning inside of us. It is our purpose.  And now, more than ever, it is calling out to us to shine. 
"Darkness cannot drive out Darkness, only Light can do that. 
Hate cannot drive out hate, only Love can do that."~ MLK, jr. 

          How can we create change in our world, in order to make it a better place for our children?  How can we be the example for our children, in order to show them how to shine their light?

            As parents, it can be scary to speak up.  It can be scary to know the right thing to say or do.  It is of course easier to shelter, to guard, and to want to protect our children from what is happening.  Those are all completely natural instinctual reactions.

  But the truth is, we can not isolate them or shield them. This is a pivotal time in our countries history.  What happens over the next week, month, and year will reshape our country." 

        Do you need to put them in the middle of a protest? Or make them watch the news?  NO! But I, personally, believe it is important to talk with them, and explain to them what is happening and why.  Share your views.  This is America and we are founded on the concept of freedom of speech.  So although our views may be different, that is ok.

​          We must teach our children about the history of what has brought us to this point. Teach them why people are upset or angry. And show them that is ok to have differing viewpoints. In my opinion, we MUST teach our children to accept each other, to honor each other, and to value each other. 

           It is ok to be different.  It is NOT ok to HATE.