No tv. I’ve been on a mini-vacation and the friend I stayed with had no tv. It was good, refreshing. I didn’t miss it, not for a second. Honestly I didn’t notice its absence because I was engaging in conversation, reading, relaxing and challenging myself in the beautiful outdoors of Utah. Over my vacation I took a break from my business and social media. I was excited to get back to posting giving challenges and sharing my adventures.
Arriving at the airport news flooded social media and tv regarding the tragedy in Orlando. My heart broke. As someone who challenges others to give daily, acts like the one that took place would not happen if we are focused on how to love others, how to help others and how not to judge those we don’t agree with or see eye to eye.
Over the days and weeks I challenge you to seek out ways to love those around you, those, who in the past, you may have been judging their lifestyle. I’m not just talking about the LBGT community, I’m talking about the homeless man on the corner, the drug addict who always seems to make excuses, the cheating spouse, unfriendly neighbor…you fill in the blank.
If you are a person that is constantly finding faults in others, it may be time for you to look in the mirror. We tend to judge others to make ourselves feel better. Work on changing your ways, your heart. Work to find common ground.
I encourage you to take time this evening to read about each of the victims. I bet you’ll find you have more in common than think.
For instance, Deonka Deidra Drayton, Kimberly Morris and Akyra Monet Murray all loved basketball. As a girl from the Hoosier state, I have the same love. If I were to have met these women, maybe we would focus on our similarities instead of our differences. Maybe we would go shoot some hoops.
There is a long journey ahead for the families of the victims, survivors, first responders, medical personnel, the community of Orlando and this great nation. Sure I’ll pray, but we need to do more. What more is? I’m not sure. But if I see an opportunity, if you see an opportunity, to give, to do more than pray, to support and take action, do so.
May God bless the USA and change our hearts to be filled with love for one another.
Blessings,
Stephanie
About the Author:
Stephanie Jones and her husband, Mike, live in Northwest, IN and enjoy lake life and travel. Stephanie is a writer, speaker, life coach, daily giver and soon to be author of The Giving Challenge: 40 Days to a More Generous Life. She challenges people to be bold in their actions, accomplish and live their big dreams, and bless others daily through giving.
You can contact Stephanie by email at stephanie@GivingGal.com.