The last two weeks, life has felt extremely heavy. I’ve been resisting writing what is in my heart, but today it’s time to share my thoughts.

I know many in this country feel we’ve never been more divided, and wondering if it’s possible to bridge the great divide that has formed. When you’re as old as I am, you have witnessed first hand events that have caused great divides.

I remember worrying about the men and boys I knew during the 1960’s. I thought war was something that never ended, that every man and boy would be sent to Vietnam and never return. For some, that was true. However, all my friends and family survived and came home to live mostly happy lives. That war ended, but is there ever truly victory in war? Many returned and were treated poorly all because they either made the choice to enlist, or were drafted without a choice to serve our great nation. Physical scars might have healed, but many still carry the emotional scars of that long and brutal war. There really was no winner.

Life ebbs and flows. Catastrophes happen, innocent people are hurt. I think of 9-11 and the helpless sinking feeling I felt that morning as I watched those planes crash purposely into the towers. And then with horror watched them fall, taking with them not only those who couldn’t make it out, but also the emergency responders rushing in. Once again, I wondered how this great country could ever recover. Not only did it recover, but it came back stronger than ever! People turned to the only constant in this life - God! Prayers went up, churches were filled, and people from every aspect of life came together!

In 24 years, our nation had forgotten once again how to live together in love and kindness through our differences. As controversial as Charlie Kirk’s death has been, we are faced with yet another opportunity to come together! Whether you agreed with Charlie or not, it is never ok to end a life due to a difference of opinion and beliefs.

Candle In The Window is not a political platform. The soul goal and purpose is to bring LIGHT, love, and kindness to those we come in contact with every day! Each of us are born with the Light of Christ within our souls. No matter what religious affiliation we are, in the words of Abraham Lincoln, “Be a good one.” The time has come to stand together in unity for what is right. It’s ok to have a difference of opinion. It’s not ok to kill someone for it. We must look for the good in others. Share our Light by serving others!

Love those you hold dear, forgive those who have wronged you. When we are able to forgive others, we are set free from the chains that bind us. At times when there is an impasse, we often have to make the choice to forgive and accept the apology that was never given. This allows us to keep moving forward as we utilize the gift of the Atonement. Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice, so that we can live again with Him and The Father in glory together!

We’re ALL God’s children and He loves us regardless of our individual perceptions of truth. Being able to have healthy conversations about our differences is what helps us become better. We must not allow pre-conceived biases rob us of meeting and becoming friends with some pretty incredible people. At the end of the day, we’re not on a red team or a blue team, we’re on God’s Team!

My wish for you this week is to look for someone to forgive. Whether you can tell them in person, or just to yourself, you will feel a weight lift from your shoulders and LIGHT will fill your soul. It’s time to heal and move forward in faith, not fear. May God bless all!

Love Ya, Les