June 4 - Optimism

This week has been troubling, as long simmering and justified issues are coming to the surface. My heart aches at the scenes of violence of Americans using violence against other Americans. I am choosing to focus on the positive scenes, the ones that demonstrate our ideals, our aspirations to be a better people in spite of our flaws, and our disagreements.  The images of people lining up to protect a police officer separated from the others, white and black people working together to stop looters, protesters offering water and aid to police, people cleaning up after looting, these are the people of our country who are acting upon our highest ideals, supporting the community and respecting others.

In these actions we see the descendants of our founders, not by blood, but by their beliefs that all people are created equal and have the right to life in order to experience liberty and the pursuit of happiness. The difference in our nation from others is that we are tied together by our belief that even in the darkest times we can work to build for a better future for everyone, not just a chosen few.

We are at a pivotal point in history, one where we can choose how we will aid our community. Some will be as warriors, standing up and fighting for those beliefs and our communities. Others will act in service for the community by fixing, building, creating and healing the wounds caused by the strife. Each of us can find a place to act in service and for the future for all. These are troubled times as old wounds are ripped open, yet I see light as people choose to meet violence with love and peace. My hope is that everyone can work for that peace as we move towards the light of our better selves.

Pictures by J.T. Harpster, prints of his work can be found at https://shellcreek.redbubble.com/