I Cried Yesterday

Tuesday, April 16, 2013
I cried yesterday. I cried because there are people in this world who think it's completely appropriate to kill perfect strangers to make a point, or state their position, or just because their personal demons told them to. I cried for their families, and their friends, and for humanity, because we spawn such evil.

And then I cried some more. Because even though our species is capable of such acts, we surely compensate by being capable of amazing courage, kindness and generosity. We're capable of running toward the evil, in order to protect the innocent. We're capable of giving of ourselves, in order to help others on the worst days of our lives. We're capable of reaching out and providing a loving embrace, because we know that sometimes the only thing you can do is hug a stranger. For every evil act, there a thousand kind, courageous acts, perhaps lesser in scope, but overwhelming in their volume and sincerity.

Today I'm proud to be human. Because I can see that even though there are a few people who are fundamentally broken, and thus capable of committing heinous acts on their fellows, there are far more of us who are whole, and thus capable of amazing acts. Today I choose to have humanity defined by the latter and not the former. Go, us.

5 comments:

mom in northern said...

Well said. Hugs to all involved victums and responders. Thinking evil thoughts about those responsible. No hugs for them.

Carol Elaine said...

In the words of Patton Oswalt: So when you spot violence, or bigotry, or intolerance or fear or just garden-variety misogyny, hatred or ignorance, just look it in the eye and think, "The good outnumber you, and we always will."

Tom said...

Yes! Janiece, thank you.

Anne C. said...

((((HUG!))))

Beatrice Desper said...

Well said. Merci!