For the last week or so, ever since the event in Charlottesville, I’ve been thinking about life and the most important relationships in my life (family, girlfriend, friends, co-workers, people I know at church). These protests about removing confederate statues are touching some very deep roots in the heart of America. Growing up in Louisiana, I’ve always seen confederate flags on trucks, statutes of confederate leaders in New Orleans, and been in history classes where teachers really didn’t directly oppose slavery.
Lately I’ve even felt a division inside my heart for some reason. It’s like I’m not a person who focuses on negative things, but I also can’t ignore what’s going on in America when it comes to racial discrimination and social prejudice. And, no matter what anyone says about it. Whether it’s reparations for African-Americans, the mass incarcerations of blacks over the years, white supremacy hate crimes, etc… I guess I’m just tired of talking about racism to deaf ears. As, I feel some people don’t care as it doesn’t affect them, and others will always be racist, and I can’t change them. However, what I really want to talk about is love.
In my mind, I feel like the only solution to hate is love. Hate is like a STD. It can be very infectious 🙂 . It can be so easy to act or respond with hate when it touches you. For example, if someone disrespects or hurts me in some way, it’s very easy for me to ignore them or talk about them in a negative way. But, the correct response is to show love to them.
“You have heard the law that says, ‘Love your neighbor’ and hate your enemy. but I say, love your enemies! Pray for those who persecute you! In that way, you will be acting as true children of your Father in heaven…” – Matthew 5:43-45 NLT
And, I know a lot of people don’t know how to love their enemies. I even have trouble with it sometimes. But, it first starts with understanding that people aren’t my enemy. The devil is my enemy, not people. Secondly, I have to realize that I have complete power over my feelings. I can always choose to love, despite how I am treated. And lastly, always hope in the best, as having hope creates a foundation for love to develop. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. put it best when he said, “Keep hope alive.”
A little love goes a long way.
To all my consistent readers: I know it’s been a little while since I’ve last written a blog. Maybe a few months I suppose. I’ve actually been going through a lot emotionally, and waiting to feel the desire to write again… I’ve taken some time to regain the desire to open my heart and share my feelings openly. It has not been an easy few months for me. Nevertheless, I’m all good and focusing my energy and efforts on my current dating relationship and career. Sometimes we all need to take some time out to walk around and smell the roses so we can gain a deeper appreciation of life, our purpose, and also our blessings.
