The Police Shootings: How Can I React With Love?

It's a surreal and very sad day. Take a moment to remember that the people who are accused of killing others are individuals. One police officer doesn't represent all police officers. And now, the Dallas shooters (reminiscent of another national tragedy) don't represent an entire race of people. #blacklivesmatter .. yes. #bluelivesmatter .. yes #alllivesmatter .. yes, yes.

When tragedies like these occur, some of us ask: how could this happen? what can I do? On a small scale, I think we can do a lot. I think we can make a change by "looking at the man in the mirror," as Michael Jackson sang. Here's a challenge: put the ab work aside and work on spiritual pullups.

Can I work today on respecting you? Can I not share anything whether on social media or with my powerful voice, that puts someone else down because they think differently or look differently than me? Can I train my brain to be more compassionate rather than critical of you?

It's not easy. Especially not for me, as I think back this week on the time I laughed at someone on the beach who looked abnormally tall next to my husband while I took a photo of them (the tall person not knowing he was in the photo). I did it for a laugh. Because the tall man was different. Now, I'm wondering if I am adding to the problem.

I wonder if we can get to the point where we appreciate each others differences, listen to others opinions, respect each others point of view and prosecute those who do others harm.

All lives matter. Especially yours. You can make a difference. You can't change what happened in Dallas or Baton Rouge or Falcon Heights. But you can change how you think and how you treat people. Can we, instead of putting others down for their opinion, show some respect. Listen to each other. That's spreading a little love. And one thing I know for sure about love is this: it wipes out the fear and hate.