Love one another

Let's love one another.
Jesus said, “Love one another as I have loved you”

“Love one another.”  We have all heard these words. In the last several years, I am seeing less of “loving one another” and more uprising against each other. Many of us stand helpless, with diminished spirits, wondering how we stop it. As a child, I do not remember hearing of such unrest. Raised with a strong sense of respect for others, the thought of bringing harm to my fellow man shakes me to the core.

Hometown Heartache

My hometown of Milwaukee, WI has been under siege this past week. Shots were fired…people were rioting in the streets…businesses burned down…I am heartbroken.

I moved to one of the suburbs with my family when I was young. Never far away; my roots were in Milwaukee. I was born there. My dad started his business there, I went to college there, have lots of friends there, and I met my husband there. Milwaukee is my home. In fact, I consider all of Southeastern Wisconsin as my home. I may not live there now, but it is still my home nonetheless, and I will always be tied to it. Whatever happens there, the good and the bad, affects me very deeply.

Remembering My Upbringing

During times of sadness, I think upon how I was raised as a Catholic, and turn to the teachings of my upbringing. In John 13:34 it says,

“A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another.”

These words do not care where we come from. They cross all color, religion, disability, age and sex. Yet by all accounts, they appear forgotten. Perhaps we would not see all the unrest if this humble teaching stuck in our hearts, not only during the good times, but during tumultuous ones as well. I know that the problems run deep in Milwaukee, and for other cities that have experienced the same. I remember the saying, “It takes a village.” In this case, I think it is going to “take a community” to help rebuild what has been broken.

So for all of us whose hearts are heavy, let us come together and do what we can to make a change. I know that it will not be easy, but nothing good in life ever is. If the task of “taking a community” is too daunting for you, then start small and go with what you already know.

With love and encouragement, I humbly offer you in the words of Mother Teresa,

“If you want to change the world, go home and love your family.”

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