I know it is difficult to feel hopeful and positive about the future.  Distressing events multiply with each news cycle.  Even the basic human values inherent to our grammar school pledge of allegiance are under assault as many in government use the flag to hide their agenda. The permissive environment of social media has normalized behavior I can’t begin to comprehend: belittling instead of debating.

But recognizing our feelings is one thing; allowing this naysaying outlook to take over our mindset is another, and not representative of how we typically present to the world. We are not victims. We take heart in an axiom of life that has become increasingly clear as we mature and have widening perspectives that allow us to see beyond the distressing headline news.  Inherent in the events they describe are lessons to be learned; the hardhearted people responsible for the egregious breaches of our human rights are our most unforgettable teachers. From observing their behavior I see an opportunity to grow in compassion and gain insight, even as the disturbing headlines and distasteful tweets that greet us every morning increase in number.

Our higher power gently guides us; imagine the pain and ignorance that led them to behave in such a conspicuously offensive manner… and forgive them. I don’t mean in a saint-like way; I’m not talking about wearing sandals and flowing robes and walking the land as a romanticized picture of absolution.  I mean forgiveness that disagrees strongly with the strident arguments of the right and left but sees them as disorders that were learned, not inherent to whom we are as a people.

I recognize that all of us have a capacity for the shadowy existence of injustice, prejudice and venality.  But surely, we are better than that.  We can learn from the lessons of darkness, allowing our inner light to shine on justice, tolerance and love.