Image Credit: Tomas Martinez

There comes a time when certain images stop us in our tracks. Those images shake us to our core reminding us to reflect on what was, what is, what has changed, and what has not. Such images implore us to put “human” back into “humanity.” It seems like we have short-term memory when it comes to the tragedy of others. Such images shout “Divided we are weaker and fall. United we are stronger and stand.”

We should not rely on the anniversary of a particular occurrence or devastation to remind us to feel and love continuously, to serve our purpose honorably every day, and to treat others as we want to be treated at all times. We should not forget tragedies and mistakes, or cast them aside like trash, by hitting the default switch to embolden an arrogant attitude of inequity, violence, hatred, and moral corruption.

We ring bells whether from steeples or firestations to stop and remember. We light candles, whether for a vigil, a memorial, or in our windows to reflect remembrance. We wear different colored ribbons on our lapels to honor something or someone specifically. We use things to symbolize our pain, yet our hearts draw a line of demarcation with an intensity of separation or downplaying what that pain permeates.

Image Credit: Aidan Bartos

Why do atrocities or memories of them have to remind us to be civil, loving, and kind, which only lasts for moments or that day of commemoration? We somehow slide back into our daily regular routine, which leaves our hearts with unspoken sadness and despair tucked away in a corner somewhere. Once the tears dry, we go back to the same old, same old debilitating, and destructive habits. Evil never takes a day off, and neither should good. We have to make a choice about which side we will take. We say we will never forget, but our actions say otherwise. You can’t stand for something, by talking out both sides of your mouth.

Image Credit: Documerica

Source: Selective Memory | From Behind the Pen