I was told this morning that bad news sells, and that’s why you hear so much about it. Maybe so. But right here in the middle of Texas, where I live, the weekend was filled with people randomly pointing guns at folks they didn’t know (the one in Austin didn’t make national news, because, thankfully, the jerk only injured people). And yes, this stuff does make me sad, and I don’t think not listening to the news will make anything better. People will continue to ram trucks into crowds, shoot up people worshiping in churches, temples, and mosques, hurt family members, and all of that.

This is my current Facebook profile picture, showing me focusing on love for an innocent (-ish) creature. I invite all my Facebook friends and blog readers to share what YOU are doing to combat hate and divisiveness through your work or other activities.

What Chip Said

As I mentioned last time, I was reading Capital Gaines, by good ole Chipper of Waco. I finished the book, and ended up practically talking back to it, I was agreeing so hard with Chapter 14. He kept saying things that not only do I agree with, but they are core parts of my personal philosophy. Here are the two that are dearest to me:

• There are good people of all backgrounds and nationalities. You need to meet them and talk to them to realize this, though.
• Every single person you meet has something to teach you.

YES. That’s what I say. How can I combat all the hatred, prejudice, and cruelty in the world? Not by ignoring it, but by doing MY PART to create a more peaceful world, where everyone can enjoy their rights to a job, a home, and food to eat.

I am lucky that I spent many years studying linguistics, a field that practically forces you to meet people from around the world and learn something about their cultures, in order to figure out how different languages work. I may not be working in that field now, but the people I met, the meals I shared, the long talks about how life differs in other places shaped me into someone who doesn’t fear the “other.” I know for a fact that there are wonderful people everywhere, who just like me, love their parents and children, and just want to live a peaceful, productive life.

How Real Estate Redevelopment Comes into It

You knew I’d get around to it. All of you out there work with people who are in trouble with their homes, people who need an affordable house to live in, contractors who need work to feed their families, lenders who allow small businesses to grow, and real estate professionals looking to match up people and homes. These people, and all of us as well, are part of the solution to the world’s problems. We are out there helping people have less worry and stress in their lives, growing the economy, and treating all our neighbors as if they are worthy of dignity and respect (because they ARE worthy). And we learn from each person we deal with.

All the small steps we take to make the housing options better for others is fighting the negativity and divisiveness out there. We all deserve safe places to live. We are privileged to help this happen, in some small way or another.

Tell me, what are you doing to actively work to make the world safe for all?