Can we REALLY Stop the Hate?

Donna M Houghton
Jun 17, 2016
3 min read

This has just been a crazy week full of really sad videos and stories all across the world of violence, death, fighting, crisis, etc. I'm almost scared to log on to FB or other Media Sites for fear of learning of another sad story....HOWEVER...it also has me thinking....

Is there more WE could be doing?

Does that seem like a crazy question to you? I mean I know we can't control ISIS or the terrorist attacks....BUT...can we pay more attention to people, actions, personalities of those around us? Could we...should we...speak up more about the bully at school? How about the kid everyone knows is on drugs or worse yet...sells them? What about the guy at work that is always pissed off and is ready to blow a gasket at any moment?

Are there signs all around us?

For example, about two months ago, I was at a small playground area with my grandson and I noticed a large, all black SUV with dark tinted windows drove past the playground area. Then I noticed it came by again. I took notice again as he drove past slowly for the third time. Now this playground area is at the end of a dead end street and close to the road so it's very easy to notice cars coming by. After the third time, I took a photo of the license plate and grabbed by grandson and got the heck out of there. Of course I went home and went on with my evening and never did anything about the license plate number. Looking back, I probably should have. Maybe this person was simply lost but what if......what if he really was scoping the playground for kids and I could have given this information to the police for further investigation.

My point is, we all need to pay more attention to what is going on around us. Reporting the smallest things could save someone's life. We need to teach our kids the same. If they hear of a kid bragging about a gun, or drugs, or a fight, or an attempt to mess with another person, we need to teach them to SPEAK UP!! I'm not saying we should all turn into crazy people that turn in everyone....but let's offer help when we see people who may be in trouble or hurting. Hurt People, Hurt People. Maybe we can help change the path of someone who is heading down the wrong one.

I believe this is how we create change and become a world where we work together.

We can also help by sticking our nose in other people's business. Yep, I said it. Don't neglect a friend that is withdrawn. CALL. Don't blow off that person that you know is drinking too much. SAY SOMETHING! We need to stop worrying that we'll offend someone and start helping more. I know we can't always stop a person from committing an act of violence to themselves or to others but I think we if we keep our radar up a little more, we may just see the warning signs. Think about it...most often when someone is going to commit suicide...they have mentioned it to someone. The ISIS groups make videos telling us what they're going to do, to whom and to what area next!!! Did you know that?

I just think we need to stop being passive and taking more action! I know I'm going to.

I think we have situations every day where we can spread more love, get mad less, & offer more help!

Are you with me?!!!

If so, make a plan to find a local organization to get involved with. If you're an animal lover, help at the humane society. Have a passion for the homeless; volunteer. There is no shortage of ways to help and needs in our society.

"The phrase, "BE THE CHANGE" has never been more relevant than now!!