Article 208 - Being a human being in times of despair and uncertainty

Currently, we live in the world where we are constantly being tested – our values, our character, our human nature. We are constantly being presented with an opportunity to choose how we react or respond to various events and situations surrounding us or other people around the world. Do we help and support those in need, or do we pretend that nothing is happening, and turn away continuing to live in our own bubble without letting anyone or anything inside of it?

It is understandable why as individuals we would do everything that we can to protect our own family and wellbeing, hoping that whatever is happening in the outside world would never impact us personally. However, we often forget that we are human beings, and no matter where we live, no matter of our position or title, no matter of our culture or socio-economic status. We forget that in order to live in peace we must remember to remain human beings – caring, loving, respectful, supporting, and understanding towards others, no manner the situation or time we live in. We must also remember that once that line is crossed where we stop acting as human beings it is very hard to undue our actions and decisions that were made to benefit ourselves and our own interests regardless how our actions have impacted others, and completely forgetting what it takes to be a human being.

It is not hard to be a human being. All that we need to do is to stop and ask ourselves how our words and our actions may impact other people, people who are close and those who are far. If the impact of our actions is negative in any way, then we must stop and remind ourselves who we are, review our values, and most importantly remind ourselves what does it take to be a loving, caring, and respectful human being. If we do that, if we simply stop and think before any actions are taken, we would avoid making irreversible mistakes which we will regret in the future.

We as individuals cannot speak to or take responsibilities for the actions of others. However, what we can do is control our own actions and leading by example to those around us. No matter the situation or circumstance, in our heart we know what is right and what is wrong. The question is: Are we going to listen to our own heart or would we listen to opinions of other people, even if their opinions do not align with our own and go against our values and priorities in life? I hope the choice is clear. I know if is for me. I choose to be a human being every day in any situation.