I know there is a lot wrong with this world. I know. I see it. I know that as a young white woman, I don't have many worries, especially not where I am in life.
I am privileged.
I get that.
I don't believe in "white privilege," but I know there is privilege. That's fine. I don't sit here, and pretend I don't have what I have.
I don't walk around and think this world owes me something. I know nothing in life is free.
That is OK with me!
I know bad things happen. I know there are racists. I know some police officers are bad. I know every time I am reminded Trump is president, I kind of cringe. I also know, he is our president -- no matter what you think, want, or feel -- suck it up buttercup.
I am not naive enough to sit in my AC, using wifi, eating the food I am allowed to go to the store and buy, and think there aren't bad things happening in the world around me.
There are racist people in this world. There are murders, pedophiles, thieves, liars, adulterers, etc.
Do I wish I those people didn't do horrible things? Do I wish everyone was safe, fed and happy?
Of course, but they're not.
As one person, I can't help them. I don't have the resources. I just don't.
What I do have is the power of prayer and the ability to treat people with kindness.
I have the ability to look at those who disagree with me, and smile. I have the ability to pray for those who are lost. I can't control what happens in this world, but I can control how I react to it.
When bad things happen, people tend to get scared, which is understandable. However, don't let your fear control you. Don't let your fear take over you, and make you into something you aren't.
The people involved in Charlottesville were all very afraid.
They all let their fear drive them.
Please, if you are ever faced with a racist friend, family member, or even stranger; pray for them.
If you don't pray, then send a good thought out into the universe. If you meet someone of another race or religion of yours, smile at them. Treat them with kindness. Maybe that one instance won't change who they are, but it's really hard to hate people who are kind to you.
Don't fight fire with fire. Don't let your fear drive you. Bad things will still happen, but if everyone practiced kindness instead of hatred, the world would be better.
Also, the next time someone says something that seems ignorant, teach them.
If people truly don't know, they will never understand. If people outside your race have questions about "why can't we do this" instead of getting angry, and saying, "just don't," then explain.
Take the time to really teach someone something.
If no one ever learns why they're wrong, they will never know why they need to change. A lot of times, people truly don't know. So, when someone asks you to explain to them, it is your job to do exactly that.
Make the world a better place. Spread knowledge, happiness, and love; not hatred.
