Searching for a Drop of Hope in an Ocean of Despair

 

Just when we think we can’t take any more suffering, along it comes. And yet, as hard as these last few months have been – hurricanes, racial tension, and God help us, another mass murder — many spiritualists insist the human race is entering a new, enlightened state for these three reasons…

Out of hate, comes love. – We’ll never know why the Las Vegas shooter shot hundreds of innocent strangers, but he did. I watched that first press conference, feeling shaken and empty, but a city official said something that stopped me. “Out of hatred from one person,” he said, “came love from many.”

That got me thinking. As horrific as these events are, can they ultimately strengthen our resolve to make this world better, to change laws that perpetuate violence? In the way diamonds are forged by applying intense pressure to coal — will the human species someday evolve to a higher plane?

This week, there were so many stories of courage and strength – people holding and comforting dying strangers, van drivers giving rides to panicked victims, store owners offering a place of solace. Even glitzy Vegas immediately set up grief centers and free venues for bereaved families.

As pictures of the victims came in, we all drew our collective breath. Most were so young, so beautiful, and so eager to begin life. So many families are shattered.

But as we’re learning in these moments of crisis –becoming too familiar – these times also bring out the best in people. We’re reminded how much we care about our fellow humans and grieve alongside them.

Out of division, comes unity – A few months ago, I watched the Charlottesville protests in shock, Americans bashing and jeering at each other. Groups were marching for power based solely on skin color and religion.

But then something incredible happened. People pushed back. Over the next few weeks, they marched for the opposite reasons – equality and acceptance. They stood for love and compassion. And those of all races joined in. And there were more of them than the hate groups. Out of the shallow ugliness of racism emerged a deeper, more beautiful message.

Watching these marches, I got that “spiritual growth” feeling again. When racism stays under the surface, as it has for years, nothing changes. But when it starts sprouting up like ugly mushrooms in the harsh, unforgiving light, we see it for what it is. We start to challenge these outdated notions. And maybe that’s the first step toward change.

Out of chaos, comes order – It was wrenching watching people struggle during hurricanes Harvey, Irma, and Maria. And I couldn’t help wondering, if some of the people fighting each other during events like Charlottesville, ended up helping each other during these natural disasters.

For many, it became apparent it was in everyone’s interest to work together. It didn’t matter if someone was black, white, or Hispanic. What mattered were they were all humans, trapped in water up to their waist or with wind tearing down trees in their backyards. There was no food, water, or electricity.

They had to organize and think and react fast, together, to restore order to their lives. And they did.

I sometimes wonder if mankind is being forced by some higher power to learn tough lessons in order to grow. Ready or not, are we on the express lane to enlightenment because… well…we better or we won’t survive? We need each other more than we realize. We’re more alike than different.

Or is this the way it’s been and always will? Humans can be incredibly violent. Will that ever change?

Still, fifty years ago we never saw female doctors, or a black President, or people marching for gay rights. Growth and change is possible, even if it seems slow.

Like many, I pray something good comes from this horror, misery and tragedy. It must.

I feel like its the only hope we have.

 

What are your thoughts? Comments are always welcome and if you so inclined, please share.

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