There is so much ugliness going on in the United States right now.

So much anger.

So much hate.

So much fear.

So much division.

People are lashing out when they should be reaching out.

Hearts are hardening when they should be opening.

Emotions are raging when they should be softening.

Voices are shouting and condemning instead of listening and empathizing.

Friendships are ending instead of growing and relationships are suffering instead of thriving.

Let us not allow the stresses and division outside of us to cause stress and division among us.

Let us not allow the anger in our country to cause anger in our homes.

Let us not allow the criticisms and tension of others to lead us into criticizing each other and living with tension that isn’t ours.

Let us not forget to hold onto each other when outside forces encourage selfishness and self-serving choices.

May we remember who and whose we are.

May we see the best instead of the worst.

May we celebrate each other instead of disrespecting each other.

May we choose faith,

may we choose hope,

may we always,

always,

choose LOVE.