There’s been so much happening in the world lately. So much hurt. Anger. Confusion. Hatred. For some, it’s becoming overwhelming and unbearable. It’s so hard to see the good when there is so much bad.

I’m not going to get into a political debate because that’s not what this post is about. This is simply recognition of the fact that there are multiple sides to every story and that none of those sides are 100% correct. None of them are 100% bad or 100% good. The media. The political parties. The activist groups. The authorities.

I grew up in a pretty strict household that enforced the fact that I had to work hard for everything. There are no hand-outs. Nothing comes for free. My sister and I didn’t get an allowance for doing the dishes. That was part of normal household chores and since we were a part of the household, we were expected to pitch in. End of discussion. No debate. The rules apply to everyone.

I’m thankful for the structure and discipline that my parents instilled in us. It undoubtedly led me to where I am now. It gave me the work ethic to bust my ass, buy a house, go on vacations…. do all the things that I wanted to do. I knew at an early age that if I wanted those things, I had to work for them. But I also recognize that not every family functions this way and that not every child is so lucky. Although it didn’t feel lucky at the time, I see now that it was.

After some soul-searching about 15 years ago, I dedicated my life and my career to helping others who may not have been as fortunate as me. I work for the Y and most people don’t know that we’re a non-profit. We offer programs and services to help people of all ages, races and abilities, regardless of their ability to pay for those programs and services.

So what? What am I telling you this?

Because I’m having a hard time understanding what is so difficult about treating one another with respect and dignity. Why can’t people of all colors treat everyone else respectfully? I know what the media says and what the politcal groups say… It’s written everywhere.

But I go in to work each and every day, looking at a rainbow of faces in my staff and my members and I just see love. I see black, white, yellow, brown, red….. All kinds of colors. We work together, play together and treat one another with respect. We promote people based on merit, work ethic and performance. It has nothing to do with color or religion or all the other things that people fight about.

Why can’t people take ownership of their mistakes? When you do something wrong, just own it instead of trying to blame someone else. Why can’t people listen to someone else’s point of view without becoming angry or defensive? Just listen and try to understand. I am a Christian and I think we need a little more Jesus in our lives. He loved everyone, regardless of their money, their crimes, their professions… But I have friends who aren’t Christians and they believe something else. And you know what!? THAT’S OKAY!

In a time of such darkness and difficulty, I just want to encourage everyone to make an impact in the way that YOU see fit. Not everyone is an activist. Not everyone goes to vote. Not everyone posts their thoughts on social media for the world to see. All of those things are okay.

My contribution is to get up and go to work everyday and serve the people in the community where my Y is. We are situated in the heart of one of the poorest neighborhoods in Tampa. And I thank God everyday for the opportunity to serve in this neighborhood. It has taught me so much humility and empathy and has given me more understanding about what other people in the world are facing. My team does their best to serve everyone and treat them with the dignity and respect that they deserve as human beings.

I just want to encourage you to do the same. If you’re feeling darkness and pain right now, just try to serve in the way that you feel called to serve. It doesn’t look the same for all of us. But I believe that if we all do our part, we can make an impact.

Blessings and love to everyone. ❤

JB