Today

Today is my first day of law school orientation. Usually, I’d post a filtered photo, because my husband, who is one year ahead of me, is driving with me to school to take care of some back to school things as I learn the lay of the law school land. We happen to have coordinated outfits. They were unplanned, but are undeniably adorable.

Today doesn’t seem to be appropriate for that. Friends are hurting, friends are sad, and I haven’t contributed to the conversation on social media to express concerns or help soothe or rally, or muse about the activity surrounding the removal of confederate statues in public places. I am a registered democrat, an empath, and the descendant of Confederate soldiers. And I am, because of many factors, able to begin a juris doctorate program at a school I love.

Today I begin my path toward public service, wherever law school leads me. In the midst of a turbulent political climate, I am hesitant to celebrate the beauty and excitement in my life, because I don’t want to appear unaware or dismissive of the real pain that my friends and countrymen are feeling this morning.

Today, my contribution has to be one of love. I am praying for you. I know thoughts and prayers is not an excuse for inaction for our representatives, but I do think it has genuine value when it is lived out by everyday individuals. Whether or not you believe in the power of prayer, I think the world would be much better place if are thinking of their neighbors.

Remember that in a world of hatred and anxiety, there also exists beauty and hope. Today, let’s be beautiful and hopeful and radically loving. Because love wins when people live it.