With the inauguration around the corner, continuous changes being made in our country, and the corruption that we see in our world, I am sad to see that many choose to respond with fear and hate. Despite whom you voted for, what values you do or do not hold, we are all capable of finding things in this world that make us fearful of what is to come. I fully understand the concerns many hold towards our new President, I understand the mass killings, destruction, and violence we see in parts of our world, I understand the threats our country receives, and I understand that our country is divided on many of these issues and more. But we all must make the personal decision to not let these things hinder us, to not let fear and hate consume us, and to not forget that love is greater than evil.

One cannot be held responsible for the actions of those around them. As individuals, we must take ownership of our actions, words, and beliefs. No matter what happens, we need to stay positive, and to seek love. We may not be able to change others, we may not be able to find good around us, but we can create good. And to create good, we must seek to be good. To be good, is to be kind, loving, forgiving, compassionate, just, understanding, and respectful. We need to stop complaining, to stop ranting, to stop spreading negativity, and to except that evil will always exist, but that love is greater than any form of evil.

Personally, I have fears, I have concerns, and it is the evil in this world that makes me fearful of the future. But I try to remain positive, to be thankful for the good I have been given, to trust in God who I know will one day conquer all wickedness, to love others with eyes of grace, to hold myself responsible for my actions, to ask for forgiveness when I am wrong, to serve others whether deserved or not, to support those who need encouragement, and to be brave even when it seems impossible.

My dear readers, we must not give up without a fight. We must not let our fear obstruct our hope. Good is available, evil will have an end, but we still must choose to stay favorable in the here and now. My encouragement to you all is to practice these characteristics (kindness, forgiveness, love etc.) as a response to hate, and as a response to wrongdoing. It will not always be an easy task, but it's a task worth pursuing. Focus on these characteristics, share them with those around you and encourage your loved ones to do the same. For with these, it is my belief that one can overcome their fears.