That was hateful

The truth is

People can do and say some pretty hateful things

Purposely

Not purposely

Does it even matter?

How does one respond?

Indignation

Resignation

Blaspheming

I can't say the right way

Everyone must decide for themselves

I know that it isn't going to change in my lifetime

If ever

There will be hatred

There will be vile words and deeds to endure

It seems to be inevitable

So what is there to do?

But let it be

I'm not saying condone

Accept pillaging and plundering

Accept pain and torture

If need be stand your ground (when your line in the sand has been crossed; I suppose)

But barring that

Maybe mostly

When there is no immediate harm

Tolerate

And think to yourself

That was hateful perhaps

But I don't have to succumb to it

I don't have to get mired in that same web

I don't have to subject myself to it

Or respond to it at all

I can call it out for what it is

Or simply walk away

Only Jesus suggests giving the other cheek; but

He must have had a huge tolerance for pain

And a gigantic heart to love

Even those we deem most unlovable

Even acts that go against our very nature of self preservation

Were that we could all be so divine

He was human

So it is quite possible

Isn't it?

Where does it start?

If not in the individual soul

If not in ones individual journey

It is a quest that must be reached one person at a time.