Editorial: ‘Tis The Season

This weekend, I talked to someone at the grocery store who looks and sounds different from me that has been targeted recently for being different. It broke my heart because if I had to make a list of the best people I know in this world, that person would be near the top.

Interestingly enough, a few minutes later, the card chip reader wouldn’t work and I thought I didn’t have the cash to cover my purchase; immediately that person opened [his/her] wallet to help.

I politely declined because I did have the necessary funds.

Later, the person behind me didn’t have the cash for their purchase and I turned to [him/her] and opened my wallet; they politely declined as well.

Three people, three different races, three different situations, united by compassion.

This is what I know to be true about people when they are together, there is goodness in them.

But then people get on social media and say the most horrible things about those who are different or don’t have as much money as them.

All the hate and gleeful celebration of it is getting to be too much.

I can’t believe all these people are incapable of empathy because then that would mean that all hope is lost for us.

We don’t deserve the kingdom of Heaven, if we don’t know how to act on earth. Earth is the test and many are failing. Yes, we fall short sometimes, but willful disregard of the task is the devil’s work.

I’d rather look into the eyes of my friend who is different and see peace not fear, but here we are.

We are better than this. I see it every day. The hateful words don’t match the hearts.

It’s time to do better and expect better from others.

‘Tis the season of WE not ME.

When the world is telling you to hate, love is a revolutionary act.

Editor's Note: Identifying information was withheld from this editorial to protect the identities of the parties mentioned.