When we turn on the news these days, we are bombarded with articles about death, sadness and pain. I'm in a constant state of confusion of why people can't just push prides aside and get along. Isn't that better and more helpful than bloodshed? I'm not sure how we are supposed to raise children in this world. If all we are showing children is that one is to hate another who does not understand, something one does not understand enough to love, how are we supposed to raise them to be strong adults, strong leaders?

People are having their lives stolen from them by selfless acts of hatred and ignorance.

Parents are mourning their children... Parents are mourning their children.

Women are taught to remember what clothing they are wearing when they go outside so if a predator violates them, authorities will know whether or nor their dresses were too short.

Men are taught to dehumanize themselves in order to be "manly," yet many suffer from eating disorders, anxiety or depression due to the overwhelming pressures of trying to be the men that everyone begs for them to be.

Our country has had more shooting in a week than some countries do in a year; yet when this issue is addressed, defensive people puff of their chests and dare the government to take away their guns instead of focusing on the lives that were recklessly stolen.

Many are terrified that if we allow people to be who they are, who they are called to be, who they are with every ounce of their beings . . . that it might cause discomfort and divert from the "norm." They believe change should not be tolerated.

I'm scared senseless to raise my future children in a world where people would rather team up and get ready to fight instead of embracing one another through life's battles. How can I raise my children in a society that I myself am scared to be living in?

We need to let our children know that they are loved, smart and that they matter. Most importantly, we need to raise our children to be independent and strong enough to stand up for what is right. If we raise children that know they are loved, maybe we will one day have a world where these children grow up to be adults that love and respect others.