Frequently in the news there are articles of ethnic cleansing, mass graves, civilian casualties and revenge. There is no such thing as a "good" war. Historically battlefield casualties had  been soldiers, however, in this century most of the dead are citizens, in the wrong place at  the wrong time. Political solutions have split families, communities and nations while rewarding the victor and planting seeds of unrest. Legislated solutions have proven to be flawed, causing division rather than healing and growth. Moral law has served as a deterrent only because punishment is eventually certain. 

I feel there is a better way. Every individual has a daily choice whether to be upbeat or critical, to be the lemon or to make lemonade. We all have within, the "knowing" when things are correct and good or wrong and bad. When recognizing that we are all on this planet with similar goals for our families, it becomes acceptable to help others. As we practice more random acts of kindness, anonymous charity and being supportive of others, change will occur. 

First we will change, then our families will change. As more families change communities will change. When enough communities change, states will change. When enough states change, only then will the world change. 

It all starts by accepting responsibilities for our thoughts, words and actions. While there are people who are mean and self-destructive, we cannot let them set the tone for all of us. Once we let go of the need to be right, we become free to grow in service to others. When we first know our strengths and weaknesses then personal change can happen. It will not be easy, but it will be the most rewarding of tasks. 

By being always truthful and open, the need for justifications and excuses will disappear. We will be able to stand up for our convictions and ourselves because we will know ourselves. We have all been told, "If you are not part of the solution, you are part of the problem." Rather than shaking my head, shrugging my shoulders and blaming others, I need to look at the part I played in the problem and accept the responsibility only for my choices and not theirs.  Complacency solves nothing; sitting on the fence doesn't get the job done. Doing something is better than doing nothing. Once I have made a choice I must follow through all the way to the end and accept the responsibilities for my choices no matter what the consequences may be. Only then does the small voice inside me feel right and become stilled.