In case you've been completely disconnected from the world for the past couple of days, or really, years, let me fill you in. Our nation is falling apart. No, that is not dramatizing things, that is a very serious statement and it is very seriously happening. We're living in a country that has fallen so far from the principles upon which it was founded. I don't know about you, but I do not want to live in a world where murder is so common, where citizens fear those who are there to protect them, where choosing our nation's leader has become choosing the lesser of two evils. I could go on and on, but I'm sure you're familiar with what's been happening, as it has been plastered across every form of media available to the public.

Don't get me wrong — I am all for the advances we have made in technology, and it is truly amazing to be able to share thoughts, ideas and opinions with anyone and everyone via the web. However, am I the only one who sees the trouble that stems from this very ability? We have become so caught up in pouring out our opinions publicly that we have somehow forgotten how to step back open our minds up to the possibility that perhaps, *gasp*, we aren't always right. I have personally seen so much hatred and controversy displayed on social media, especially in times of crisis. Most recently, the internet has all but exploded following the tragic events in Baton Rouge, Minnesota and Dallas. It seems like everyone is talking about it, and, as can be expected, there are many different views and opinions involved. What I don't understand is: what good is going to come from jumping down each others' throats every time someone's opinion differs from yours? Yes, some people would be better off keeping their thoughts to themselves, but everyone has the right to speak freely, and as their fellow citizens, we have to respect that right. So before you comment on that Facebook status, adding fuel to the fire undoubtedly, why don't you taste your words before spitting them out?

There have been many horrendous acts of violence over the past few weeks, as there have been over the past few years honestly. My heart truly breaks for the families of those whose lives were taken in acts of violence--regardless of their race or profession. A life is a life, and we shouldn't place more value or importance on any one over the other's.

We need to realize that white privilege is real. We need to realize that stereotyping is real. We need to realize that police brutality is real. We need to realize that hasty generalizations are real.

All of these are injustices, affecting many different people with many different backgrounds. But you know what? At the end of the day, all of those affected are Americans. They are humans. They are brothers and sisters in the eyes of God. They are husbands, wives, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. And their lives have just as much meaning and value as yours does.

There has been constant debate around the "#BlackLivesMatter" and "#AllLivesMatter" groups. I feel a lot of this tension could be resolved if hasty generalizations were not made. A hasty generalization is jumping to a conclusion with insufficient evidence or without considering all the variables. These are made every single day. When one black man reaches for a gun in a traffic stop, some police officers may assume that the next black man they stop will do the same. When one police officer unjustifiably harms an innocent citizen, citizens may assume that the next police officer will do the same. When one Muslim man commits terrorist acts, many may assume that the next Muslim they see will do the same. Do you see? All of these are assumptions we make, which can lead to more unjustifiable acts, which can lead to even more chaos. I believe the "#BlackLivesMatter" movement is not saying that black lives are the only ones that matter. They are trying to bring attention to what they feel is a racially driven injustice. I believe the "#AllLivesMatter" movement is an all-inclusive statement, brought about by the assumption that those who stand with "#BlackLivesMatter" are raising black lives to hold more value than those of other races. However, it is true that all lives matter.

When our nation formed, it was given a name. That name is the United States of America. Take a moment and focus on that first part — United. I truly believe that until our nation realizes that furthering the divide between us all will solve nothing, we will not know peace. I urge you to look at those around you on a day-to-day basis, and see not the color of their skin, or the beliefs of which they hold, but see them as your fellow American. When you lay your head down at night, take time to thank God for the blessings he has given our country, and pray for our future. Some may argue that by fueling the fire light will be shed upon all of the wrongdoings in America, but I disagree. That fire will grow large enough to engulf everything good that remains in this country, and we will be left in darkness.