Yes: what the world needs now is empathy, sweet empathy. It is one of the best ways of showing love. I share your brokenheartedness at the vitriol, shaming, name calling, and all-around hatefulness that has been passing as "communication" in recent months. It totally horrifies me when people who claim to know and love God are the ones doing it. How can politics be above kindness? Above character? Above simple civility?

I kept telling myself that no matter how bad it all seems nowadays, it can't possibly be as bad as 1968, when rioters were throwing things at the Chicago police guarding the Democratic convention. Then I heard an expert on the subject speaking about it recently, and he said that such conditions really are at the worst ever in human history. The reason he believes this? Social media. He says that in the past, such angry mobs would soon die down. Now, when they can instantly connect with similar ugly mobs all over the world, the anger never dies down and only amplifies and spreads. Sadly, I think he is probably right.

And YOU are right! One of the best antidotes for anger, blaming, shaming, and dividing is empathy. When we learn to ask questions, try to understand others' feelings and beliefs, and connect on that basis, we put out fires and build bridges. We touch our humanity again. We see each other as individuals and not labels.

I wish the whole world would just be still and listen to you, You go, girl!! You rock!