Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. Hate multiplies hate, violence multiplies violence, and toughness multiplies toughness in a descending spiral of destruction. So when Jesus says “Love your enemies,” he is setting forth a profound and ultimately inescapable admonition. Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies– or else? The chain reaction of evil–hate begetting hate, wars producing wars–must be broken, or we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation. – Martin Luther King Jr.
I’ve never forced myself to write…until now. The conflict within my brain, heart, and soul is something I had never imagined, especially something that is seemingly so outside an actual direct influence on my life. Turning the news on around 10:30 pm May 1 I saw the headline that will forever be remembered by Americans; “Sources: Bin Laden Dead.” Much like my normal stoic self, I did not immediately react. I texted a few people I had been texting off and on all day to see if they had heard the breaking news. As I slid in bed, my eyes stayed glued waiting for President Obama to lay it out for us. After the seemingly endless two minute warnings he finally came on. Along with a majority of the 56 million other viewers I felt the pride when he said:
