Sometimes after an explosive news event, the first reaction is to hunker down inside and hide from the bad stuff. The thing is, though, if you do that-if you decide to hide from life- those who incite the terror win. I have always believed light trumps the darkness. Good trumps evil.
When I think of how evil/terrorism tries to spread, I think of the game Red Rover, Red Rover that we played in grammar school. There are two teams. One team would link arms together while calling someone from the other team ("Red Rover Red Rover send ______ over") who would run full force at the weakest link and try to break the chain. If the runner didn't break the chain, the team he ran at would keep the runner. If he breaks the chain, he can claim one of the two people who couldn't hold the chain and take that player back with him to his team. The game ends when there is one person left on a team.
There will be folks who either have an extreme belief in something that can cause massive harm and they don't realize this or they do realize this and just hope to cause as much mayhem and hatred as possible. They try to build a momentum through terror, fear and pandemonium. You are not at their mercy. You are not. You can take action and hold strong the chain of good that evil forces are trying to hard to break down. You can build the team that is filled with light and goodness. The bigger we build this positive force, the more the sheer numbers will overshadow the darkness.
As I sit here, horrified by the latest terrorist violence in Barcelona and Charlottesville, I took a few moments to pray. In addition to prayer, however, (if that is part of your belief system), there are things we can do in these troubling times to keep the light burning strong, not just in yourself and your circle of family and friends but the stronger this light burns, the harder it is for evil to perpetuate itself in the shadows.
So, we can be angry, but we can also make a difference, like educating ourselves, donating to a cause or joining a community event. Here are some suggestions:
Read this outstanding, moving article about solidarity called "What to do About Charlottesville" by the brilliant Sara Benincasa.
Find an event in your community to rally against the Charlottesville hate groups.
Read this New York Times comprehensive guide to learn more about the events that happened in Charlottesville.
Donate to this medical fund for those injured in Charlottesville.
Follow Barack Obama, The New York Times, NAACP, Sally Kohn, Rachel Maddow and Cory Booker on Twitter. (There are hundreds, if not thousands of inspirational people. media groups and non-profits to follow on Twitter. Choose the ones that speak to your heart.)
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