We are in unprecedented times, and we are in pain. I am trying to conjure up words to describe how horrific and painful these last 24 hours have been, but I keep coming up short with the mixed emotions many of us must be feeling. Many times, when we can't find the words, when we can't see the future due to the tears of despair, when we wonder whether there will be a return to more normal life, we may find some wisdom in what others have said. Our actions will speak much stronger than our words. It's time to shovel the next door neighbor's sidewalk or to check in on the older couple across the street. It's time to call a friend to let them know that we are thinking about them, or to donate to a charity that we know is a good cause.
Although we may think that these actions are useless and that they won't create change, we need to do something. Let's channel our anger, let's rise above the verbiage of those who find the language of hate and division, and let's move forward. Only we can create a safe place for our children and for our country; let's rise above the blaming. For today is a day in which we need to create change....for the better.
So, today, I am going to write a letter to the Capitol Police to let them know that I am thinking about them and their courage. In fact, it's going to be a random letter with a Starbuck's Card inside of it. I am writing a letter to the people in congress who displayed acts of bravery during an attempt at intimidation. And I am going to donate money to a local food bank. Please consider doing the same. Do something. Make it positive.
Although we are in times of turmoil, things will get better, but we have to make it better. If we simply do nothing, then there will be no change for the better that we all seek for our country and for our world.
“We all have heard about ordinary people who find themselves in extraordinary situations. They act courageously or responsibly, and their efforts are described as if they opted to act that way on the spur of the moment... I believe many people in those situations actually have made descisions years before.”
― Capt. Chesley "Sully" Sullenberger, Highest Duty: My Search for What Really Matters
“The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall. - Nelson Mandela”
“...this is the reality of being human, that we have the capacity to love people--family, friends, and strangers--even if we profoundly disagree with them.”
― Vivek H. Murthy, Together: Why Social Connection Holds the Key to Better Health, Higher Performance, and Greater Happiness
“When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot and hang on.” -Abraham Lincoln
"If not us, who? If not now, when?"- John F. Kennedy
So, I am now going to try to display what needs to be displayed in our country and our world. I am going to act by displaying kindness, thoughtfulness, and compassion towards others. Our fellow humans are hurting right now, and we need to help each other. We can not wait for "someone else." It's now or never.
I Just wrote a letter to Mr. Goodman, the Police Officer mentioned in this video.
United States Capitol Police
119 D Street, NE
Washington, DC 20510
(202) 224-1677
USCapitolPolice@uscp.gov
Thank you for the push I needed to help channel the pent up energy I have. I’ve thought about writing letters to the very people you mentioned but I haven’t. Time to act in a positive way and let the light blot out the darkness. ❤️