Love One Another

In light of recent tragic events, I feel the need to speak up. 

Put simply, there are people who are good and people who are bad. There are people who are racist and people who love unconditionally. Good and evil is not determined by skin color, gender, profession, or status. It’s what is in a person’s heart and soul. Hatred is not inherent, it is learned. 

I am heartbroken, angry, and humbled. You are heard, and you are loved. You are important, you are valued, and you have purpose. Each and every one of you is loved by me, and above all, you are loved by God. No matter what we have done in our lives, God loves us. Unconditionally and unequivocally. 

I stand in solidarity with all the oppressed, mistreated, and misunderstood. Jesus commanded us to “love your neighbor as yourself” and “love one another as I have loved you.” There were no stipulations based on race, ethnicity, or beliefs. He did not say only if they look like you, act like you, dress like you, believe like you. There was no “only if” or “but” stated. It is a simple yet powerful command. Love everyone the same. 

Remove hatred from your heart–it makes room for more love. We may look different on the outside, but we all bleed the same red. When all of us stand together, united, we can make powerful changes. We can learn and we can grow. It is up to us to teach the next generation to not make the same mistakes we have made. 

Just yesterday I was watching the neighborhood kids playing together: all colors and all backgrounds. Laughing and joyful; bonded in friendship. Children see friendship and love, they do not see skin color. And neither should we. Hate, discrimination, violence, and injustice have no place in this world.

Be kind and respectful. Liberty and justice for all.

As a nurse, I have cared for people of every race, ethnicity, political stance, and religion; as a home care nurse, I have cared for patients living in mansions and in humble homes. And I have treated every single one of them the same: with dignity, respect, kindness, and love. 

Jesus said, “Stop judging by mere appearances.” The color of your skin and the title of your profession should not matter. We all must be held accountable. We are one race: the human race.

The Bible says, “There is neither Jew nor Greek, slave nor free, male nor female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” (Galatians 3:28)

It is not enough to see a wrong and walk away; see a wrong and take action. I will not be silent, and I will not tolerate hatred and injustice. Everyone has dignity and is made in the image of God. Racism, in every form, is a sin. As my pastor said this weekend: our struggle is not against flesh and blood but against satan and his wickedness, division, and destruction. 

Love one another. Be kind. Stand up for what is right. I am praying for revival. Black, white, or brown, I am praying for all of you and I love you! ❤️