Shootings. Radical terrorism. Bombings. This does not sound like the America we used to be, nor the America our forefathers intended for it to be. But this goes beyond that. There have been endless acts of violence and hatred all over the world. When I heard about the recent shootings in Baton Rouge and the tragedies in Nice, France, I hate to say it, but I honestly wasn't surprised. That isn't to say it didn't faze me at all. It terrified me. It broke my heart. But, considering the hate-filled country we've become, and the restless world we've become, I was not that shocked. That's a problem.
About a month ago, I was asked to be the accompanist for a children's choir camp at my college. When I came to work at that camp, I had no idea of the impact those 50, tiny little humans would have on my soul. I watched how loving they were with each other. Every now and then, one of them would spill something on the cafeteria floor, and immediately, a dozen or so of them would rush to help clean things up. If everyone in the world were as unconditionally kind and loving as those sweet children, I think we'd have a world of peace.
The main theme song of the music camp was called "Child of Peace." It started out with these words: "Let me be a child of peace. Let me join your hand in mine, and together we will see a better world for you and me. Let me be a child of peace." At the final concert, I couldn't help but tear up while I was sitting on the piano bench. These kids were singing their hearts out, begging the audience to listen to the message of their song. I looked into the audience at the end, and I saw how moved the parents and adults were. Several were crying and smiling. This was not only because they were proud of their children, but also because they want that world of peace they were singing about.
I want everyone to be as loving and kind as those kids. They were diverse kids of all races and backgrounds. But that didn't stop them from lending a hand, or giving hugs, or simply being kind to one another. We could learn from that. I firmly believe that hatred is taught by our society and nature. They don't naturally look at other kids and say, "I'm white, and you're black, so I can't play with you." No. They love unconditionally. I think we should too.
As I'm writing all of this, I can't help but think of Miss Congeniality, where all of the pageant contestants say they want world peace. Sure, it sounds cliche and kind of like a broken record. But, I think we can agree that the acts of bigotry and violence around the world must end.
If we could just accept others and our differences we would be so much closer to this world and society we all want. You don't have to like another person's lifestyle choices or agree with everything they stand for, but we should give them the same love as anyone else. We have to remember they have the same right to live as we do. Let them.
