On Love vs. Hate...

I just wanted to touch briefly on the tragedy in Connecticut. A million things have already been said about the  shooting, and I don't really have anything to add about how to prevent this type of tragedy from reoccurring or how to cope with such a loss, but I would like to say something about how I reacted to such a situation.

As with the Aurora shooting, I am deeply saddened by the events and my heart goes out to all who were affected. But in a time where great Evil has taken place, I just want for people to hear that Good can win. In fact, Good will win. Evil may prevail in certain situations, taking lives and causing tragedies, but it is up to us to react with love, not hate. Don't rail against the shooter or get in arguments over gun control. React with kindness, not only to those affected but to all those around you. It is easy to forget how much good there really is in the world. It's not always as loud or obvious or splashed all over the news. But in moments of great loss, it becomes really evident to me. Think about how the country came together after 9/11 (minus the hateful actions of some against American Muslims) or about all those across the country sending money to help the families of the fallen children.

We may not be able to help the children who fell victim to an incredibly disturbed man on Friday, but we can help those we interact with in our day-to-day lives. Let that car merge in front of you in traffic. Forgive a person's thoughtless actions toward you. Donate money to St. Jude's Hospital, a hospital that never turns down a cancer patient for not being able to pay. Smile at everybody you meet today. Good can and will win. There is too much of it for it to lose.
Despite events like the Sandy Hook shooting, our world is getting better. And it is up to us to continue standing up for Good, for Kindness for Love.