What Can I Do To Disrupt Hate In The World?
You may have asked the same question a time or two or maybe you are not even to that point yet. Have you ever wondered what your purpose was in life? I believe our true purpose is to wade through all the bullshit and distractions in the world and figure out that living is all about connecting with others and serving others.
It may seam silly or maybe you realize I am on to something. But what does this really mean? How does one even start doing this? Well, I’m a bit further down the path and have pondered these very questions myself for a long time. Maybe too long as I get sick of just talking about things or being disgusted with the harmful actions I see in society.
So for several years I see hate being pushed out and violence being used to harm others which weighs heavily on my soul. Even when I do not know the people on either side. Why? I think it is because by seeking understanding of both, those being harmed, and those harming, I can find empathy for both. BUT what can we do?
Let's Explore the Most recent Public Tragedy -
The 12 hour Hostage Situation in Colleyville, TX at the Congregation Beth Israel synagogue.
This is 25 miles from my home. I know nothing of the Congregation Beth Israel nor of the person that implemented this situation. It is early in the game and they are not yet sharing the details on this individual or his motivations in this situation. Quickly I am concerned with the effects of those held hostage for those 12 hours and all of their families that will be dealing with this trauma for years or maybe the rest of their lives potentially. I fear for the Jewish community that has had ongoing trauma related to their religion and those who hate them.
There are rumors that the hostage taker wanted to have Aafia Siddiqui, a Pakistani woman serving an 86-year sentence in federal prison, released from jail. There are more rumors she was a terrorist. Obviously I cannot confirm this data, yet as this info is really still under wraps. No matter the situation or motive there is one thing we know… the police and the news are calling this a peaceful ending to a situation where the hostage taker died. This gives me a little concern as ANY death in a situation like this doesn’t seem peaceful. I also am concerned about what good guys and bad guys look like. What is the cause behind terrorism and acts like this? Do we ever thinking about what harm lead to actions like this? I wrote an article a while back related to finding ways to forgive our enemies. In these tough situations is this something we should be thinking about?
Anyhow, It is great that not one of the hostages was physically harmed. This does feel like a win on some levels, but as I mentioned, what is the mental and emotional harm that was done and how long will it plague these folks and their families. Situations like this can change a person. So although one stage of the problem has ended with minor devastation, we now move into the seeking understanding and the healing stages. Will we do either of these stages well? I hope so.
But what can I do?
This is the question I ask time-and-time-again when I see traumatic experiences go down in society. Who am I to help? I’m not trained to help nor have a lot of money to give so what can I really do?
Well, for years, I did nothing but be sad this happened. You may have done the same. Maybe you sent prayers, maybe you meditated on it. I’ve done both myself.
Now I wonder if even the smallest of things could help make a change in society. So for example, what if we all wrote letters to the congregation letting them know they are not alone and we are here for them? What if we committed to writing a letter a week sending positivity their way on an ongoing basis? What if we tried to find a connection for those of us that are local and ask what they need and then help get them somethings to help comfort them in this times of trauma? What is we made stickers and put them on our car to support them, or made T-shirts to wear to support them or even sold them to raise money to fund counseling or something else that might support this congregation?
I mean there are a million things we could do to try to take this horrible experience and flip the whole thing on it’s ear and make this a game changing event. In my world this is an idea called post traumatic growth when you are able to move from a trauma and turn it into a positive outcome, habit, or activity that often serves others.
What if we found a way to connect deeply with these people? What if we sought out a way to serve them? And what if we replicated what we did, this one time, every time we see trauma and harm being acted in society? What if we now built a deep new relationship with the Jewish community even if we are not Jewish? What is society saw solidarity between diverse group of people that have no reason to support one another, actually pulling together and supporting one another?
What would that world look like? Is this worth looking into?
My purpose in life is to challenge people to become innovative leaders so that we can change the world together.
So my challenge to you is this…
What if when we saw the breaking news of another devastating incident a few people started doing small positive actions of kindness and love with an intent of disrupting evil and creating more connections in deeper ways that started breaking down the divisions we have? What if all we had to do was write a letter to start this positive movement? What if this is what life is all about? What if this is how we change the world – by offering some unknown person love.
Share your comments below on your thoughts. Is this some crazy overly optimistic bullshit? Or could small actions of kindness change the world?
Share one thing any person could do –
- It could be calling to wish them well.
- it could be writing a letter.
- it could be sharing a social media post.
- it could be attending their next service.
- It could be placing a sign in your front yard.
- It could be volunteering service.
- It could be cooking a meal.