Know Hate

To my Empty Nest friends as well as those at any stage of life, this week I was compelled to write about a topic that has been increasingly disturbing to me. Recently I have heard the term “no hate” thrown around quite a bit, but often accompanied by words of hatred spewed toward anyone who doesn’t agree with a particular platform. If we are truly to desire “no hate” we have to sincerely attempt to treat others with respect regardless of our differences. Perhaps this will cause you to reflect on your own feelings and examine your own heart as it has mine.

Know Hate

Know Hate.  It is found in taunting words tossed freely across the playground, in cowardly rhetoric spattered from behind a computer screen. Hate is spewed from members of one political party toward another, and between those of differing faiths or beliefs. Know Hate.

Know Hate. It is heard through the blast of a gun carelessly fired into an innocent crowd, or angrily chanted toward officers of the law. Hate is spread through slander and vicious rumors; clamoring amongst those who think theirs is the only way. Know hate.

Know Hate. It is felt through treating others as if their lives are insignificant; in simply ignoring cries for help from those around us. Hate is spread through hurtful words that can’t be retracted and refusal to try to understand another point of view. Know hate.

Know Hate. It is experienced through acting as if one skin color is somehow better than another; one country somehow more worthy than another. It is displayed in the willingness of one person to provide drugs to another with no regard for the inevitable sabotage of their future years. Know hate.

Know Hate. For if and only if we know hate can we recognize and begin to eradicate it, can we refuse to let it seep into our lives, can we stand up against it and simply refuse to embrace it. Then and only then can we Know Love.  Embrace Love. Embody Love. Spread Love. Only when we Know Hate can we insist on NO HATE. And then Know Love, and only Love.

Sincerely,

Susan