On love and hate
Three things that are on my mind. Except for the first quote, I mention no names. I have no intention of violating anyone's privacy.
1. Poor, battered Rodney King, all those years ago, pleading "Can't we all just get along?"
2. Some years before that, my sister told me a lovely story. She was walking one way; a handsome young Black man (is it still okay to say "Black" in this context?) was walking the other. As they passed each other, he smiled at my blonde, blue-eyed sister and said, "You're beautiful." She smiled back and they each went on their way.
3. Yesterday, one of "my kids" came to visit me at the library. She came with her girlfriend/partner.This young woman had been on my very first teen advisory board as a tween. She'd helped write our first mystery in the library. She told me a little bit about her life - she's living in the city, studying for her doctorate. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time. It was so lovely of them to come and see me. And then-
Orlando happened. Just a few hours later. As some of you know, Im Catholic, fairly conservative in some ways. And I know what I think.
Those two young women were showing God's love. God is love. Those who live in love and in joy are with God. That's what I believe in the core of my being.
Let us all do all we can, everywhere, to stop the hate.
That is all.
1. Poor, battered Rodney King, all those years ago, pleading "Can't we all just get along?"
2. Some years before that, my sister told me a lovely story. She was walking one way; a handsome young Black man (is it still okay to say "Black" in this context?) was walking the other. As they passed each other, he smiled at my blonde, blue-eyed sister and said, "You're beautiful." She smiled back and they each went on their way.
3. Yesterday, one of "my kids" came to visit me at the library. She came with her girlfriend/partner.This young woman had been on my very first teen advisory board as a tween. She'd helped write our first mystery in the library. She told me a little bit about her life - she's living in the city, studying for her doctorate. I couldn't stop smiling the whole time. It was so lovely of them to come and see me. And then-
Orlando happened. Just a few hours later. As some of you know, Im Catholic, fairly conservative in some ways. And I know what I think.
Those two young women were showing God's love. God is love. Those who live in love and in joy are with God. That's what I believe in the core of my being.
Let us all do all we can, everywhere, to stop the hate.
That is all.