You were walking down the street with your children and I saw your son help an elderly woman. He helped her carry her groceries and told her to have a beautiful day. I know you’ve taught him to be kind despite the judgment of color in our world. I know your skin isn’t the same color as mine, but I know we share the same kind of humanity. Your son is right; it is a beautiful day.

I saw your face today but the rest of your features were hidden. The way your embellished clothing expresses and represents your culture matches the beauty and strength of your face. You’re so respectable; I respect you. I know we don’t worship the same God but we walk on the same ground created by the wonders of whatever we believe.

I’ve heard that walls are to be built in the world to stray away difference. Every brick will be cemented with little acceptance and I hope because of that, the foundation isn’t strong. While those bricks are being laid I will be building something of my own. A bridge that crosses over the unacceptance; it will be built with a stronger foundation. It will be compiled of massive doses of love.

I witnessed racism outside the grocery store today. The brother of the man being judged raised his voice against the judgment while his groceries fell on the pavement after he threw them to the ground. An apple rolled to my feet, and I decided that I would not let others bruise someone’s existence like the bruised fruit lying before me. I want to taste sweetness from the words spoken, that is how fruit is supposed to taste, isn’t it? We do not speak the same language, but I will stand up for you in the language of my own. I can hear the hurt in your voice even when I can not understand your words. We are equal despite our differences.

We look up to those that are bigger, older, and wiser. I greet strangers with kindness; I share massive doses of love. I preach equality although we are taught to fear, and I teach acceptance although we are exposed to hatred. I set an example for those that are younger, smaller, and vulnerable.

I felt the coldness of air in the winter months while a man held a cardboard sign in blistered, cracked hands. The sign read, “Injured veteran, can’t find work, anything helps. God Bless.” We live in the land of the free; home of the brave. The brave stands without a home while I am free. The irony struck me harder than the cold air against my skin. I covered him in a blanket and came to the realization; helping others makes us feel full because for a moment we forget about ourselves.

I watch you pick your daughter up from the bus stop at 2:00 after school. You’re wiping the tears from her young face as she says, “Mommy, why can’t I just look like everyone else?” Those mean words will lead you to introduce the famous quote, “Sticks and stones may break your bones, but these words can never hurt you.” You know as she grows older she’ll reply and tell you the words can hurt more than the sticks and stones, but for now you have to teach her the importance of her worth. Her heritage makes her who she is and she is just as worthy as anyone else walking on this earth.

I saw your post on social media and I see that you’ve found love for the same sex. The comments don’t promote positivity and your replies show your disappointment in the judgment you’ve received. They don’t understand true happiness, but I would love to watch you walk down the isle. I will fight for your love even if it is not my own.

I know you took the time to find the perfect outfit for today. You’re focused on your future and you are invested in your success. I hear the loud sound of high heeled shoes on the tile floor and the sound of a heavy door as you open it and sit in a room full of men. They look at you and exchange smirks between one another. Your gender is used to place you in the category of weakness. They have confused it for lack of knowledge. Those who judge based on small attributes lack the knowledge that is needed for success.

When we encounter those with hatred in their bones and in their hearts we must realize that they lack the love they need. When we meet those who practice racism we must accept that they have been taught ignorance. Those who hurt others have been hurt, and those who only care for themselves have never felt the fullness of putting themselves aside for a moment.

We can not diminish hatred until we look it straight in the face. We can not run from doubt; we must overcome it. We must introduce these massive doses of love. While they spread hate we spread inspiration.