Into the Light
There is no denying that there is evil in the world but the light will always conquer the darkness.
—Idowu Koyenikan, author
What are you bold enough and honest enough to admit that you hate? Hopefully, there is nothing and no one that you truly hate. Hate is a walk in darkness making it difficult to see the light or the goodness in specific people or groups of people. Even worse, if there is hate, and it’s masked, it may be difficult for others to see. It is remarkable that almost always, the light and goodness in others will shine through, but hate can be disguised, lurking out of sight, yet doing damage. Others that walk in darkness tend to recognize each other and gravitate towards each other.
The Neo-Nazis, KKK and white supremacist felt emboldened enough to leave the comfort of their homes to walk in the light, finally revealing who they are, proudly throwing off the hoods. These are miserable people for whom the light is not illuminating, simply revealing. They will probably never really see the light or be the light for anyone else and will always walk in darkness. They will never know their true purpose because it is shrouded and blocked by so much darkness. The darkness has fed their hatred until it has festered and putrified becoming an open sore oozing with poison and venom – evil.
Begin challenging your own assumptions. Your assumptions are your windows on the world. Scrub them off every once in a while.
—Alan Alda – Actor, Author
I keep hope alive and believe that we can live in peace and harmony. My oldest son is attending Auburn University. Auburn has this program that is akin to a match making site that pairs you with a compatible room mate. His roommate is a white Caucasian male. Hunter is so cool and has a little dog named Bonnie. Jonathan loves dogs and when we left, my wife called him and he said he and Hunter and Bonnie were watching Netflix. If a university can develop a program that can “select” and “pair” people together with similar tastes, can’t we figure out how we all can exist together and get along. In the words of Arsenio Hall, things that make you say, Hmm.
Are you someone who has allowed their biases to turn to hate? Are you able to examine your feelings and discern whether they are based on facts or on stereotypes and misinformation? Anyone who is able to fulfill their God assignment and who wants to live a peaceful, happy life will bring their prejudices to light in order to banish them, not to flaunt them and try to infect and inflame others.
You know who you are if you openly carry the tiki torches of hatred for others. But what about those who hide their prejudices and are unwilling to admit they exist, even to themselves. Unfortunately, their actions can do as much harm as those who are open about their feelings.
Do you know your true feelings? Are you someone who carries a torch of fear and hatred or do you carry the light of illumination and acceptance and tolerance and purpose? Has hate eclipsed the love and compassion and decency that all of us have the capacity and potential to express?
Be just as bold and leave the comfort of your home to carry the light of openness and tolerance for others. The true light will always vanquish the darkness. After all, it is always the darkest before morning, but morning light always comes.
What are your prejudices and biases? Do they have any basis in facts? Contact me if there you are carrying biases against someone and you want to fully understand how to replace that bias with tolerance and understanding. I believe we all can get along!
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Photo: Getty Images
