Terror Can’t Live in a House of Love

As with 9/11, this last week weighs heavily on so many of us.  Obviously all of the ISIS attacks and the humans lost, families mourning are top of mind.  Each day my heart gets heavier when hate and rhetoric spew from people in my own circles, out of what I believe can only be mishandled fear.

I have actively and passionately thrown facts and love in the face of each hurl of bigotry and ignorance I witness.  I believe we can neutralize negativity with extreme light and love.  Yet in the wake of these efforts remains a lingering disappointment for some of the people I have respected and cared about throughout my life. 

I won’t be quiet to sidestep conflict any longer. 

I won’t accept excuses of age, fear and statements like “people don’t change – no point in arguing”.

There is a HUGE point to argue.

Terrorists rely on fear, divisiveness and hate to facilitate their goals. Terror can’t live in a house of love.   I refuse to be afraid of ISIS.  They are radical extremists who may even be mentally ill, as violent Christian extremists in our history often have been.  Those who truly stamp fear on my heart are the friends, family and colleagues who allow their own fear and acceptance of rhetoric to make them less than the people I believed them to be. 

I enjoy and invite a good debate with people who have different ideas and beliefs.  I always learn from it, am a better human each time my world expands.  I have never unfriended any of you for having a respectful difference of opinion with me. 

With ignorance and hate rhetoric attached to the conversation of Muslims, I will not accept you or make excuses for you. 

Bigotry and rhetoric are not welcome in my circles.  

Hate and terror will never live in my house.