22/3/16

I woke up this morning to heartbreaking news. Terrorist attacks in Brussels, Belgium killed over 30 people with an estimated 230 injured. When I shared the news with a friend, her response was, “Not again.”

Our world has unfortunately experienced many other tragedies in recent years. On November 13, 2015, attacks in Paris killed 130 people. Months prior on January 7, there was a shooting at Charlie Hebdo, also in Paris, claiming 12 lives. Similar attacks have taken place in Copenhagen, London, Oslo, Frankfurt, and Madrid, to name a few of the growing list of targeted cities.

I was in second grade when 9/11 happened. When I arrived at school in the morning, I was ushered into my classroom, where our teacher had everyone quietly as she read books aloud to us. We could still hear the TV playing in the background from the classroom next door, as well as the screams and cries that came when the second plane hit. Shortly after, a classmate of mine came into our room, sobbing “They took my father!” It would not be until years later that I learned that her father was taken into custody for questioning about the attacks. She kept asking when she could see him and where they had taken him. I can vividly remember my teacher scooping her up and saying, “I don’t know, sweetie, but I’m right here.” She spent the next hour singing lullabies to her, telling her how much she was loved, and hugging her, until she finally fell asleep.

Each time I learn of another act of violence toward innocents, I naturally feel scared, helpless, and vulnerable. I feel sad that people can murder their fellow humans without remorse and that this evil exists in our world. I feel a whole array of emotions, but one thing I do not feel is powerless.

You’re probably saying, what can I possibly do when the world as we know it is rocked by such tragedy?

My answer? You can love.

My teacher could not do anything other than love that little girl she held in her arms, but that was enough. That act has stuck with me and my classmates for the 15 years that have passed since 9/11 because of her outpouring strength and compassion. At a time when we were confronted with evil, she showed the good in humanity. And so can you, simply by living every day with love for others. You can remind everyone that people care about one another, whether you live down the street or you live across the globe.

You can smile at the people you encounter on your way to work or school.

You can hold the door open for those behind you.

You can leave a generous tip.

You can volunteer and improve your local community.

You can eat lunch with someone new and gain a new friend.

You can give up your seat to an elderly person or a pregnant woman who needs it far more than you do.

You can tell that girl you’ve got a crush on how beautiful she is.

You can take a homeless person out to eat.

You can educate yourself about Islam. Though some politicians are quick to blame it for these atrocities, it is a beautiful and peaceful religion that teaches, you guessed it, love for others.

You can put change in a random parking meter.

You can send a thank you note to people who have helped you to get where you are today.

You can walk your friend’s dog.

You can call your mom and tell her you love her. Then, make a few more calls to other family and friends. And then a few more.

You can make dinner for an elderly neighbor.

You can compliment a coworker.

You can hug your friends a little tighter.

There are millions of ways to show love for your fellow humans, and this is in no way a comprehensive list. We everyday people may not be able to erase the evil from the world, but we can help ensure that there’s a lot more love to go around.