As the sun rose on the morning of November 9, so did the emotions of many Americans.  On both sides of the isle, life began anew.

Words spoken about deportation, and messages of sexism and bigotry were no longer just heard through the lens of the media, instead they came to life in the form of hate.  Across this great country, men, women and children were at a loss.  Not because of the results of an election, but for all that had come before.

Fear was no longer a thought of things that might be, but a tangible reality of swastikas emblazoned in South Philadelphia, our City of Brotherly Love, a reality now filled with chants of “Build that wall!” yelled in an American high school, a reality in which gay couples in North Carolina were told they will burn in hell.

When did we set foot down this path?  The history of this great country is marred with hate, but it is also filled with moments of genuine beauty that have made this Great Experiment the envy of the world.  We must not give in to the words and acts espoused by those who have no true impact on our daily lives.  We must use this time to rise above and unite.  We are not black or white, gay or straight, we are Americans.  The origins of this land came from a sense of unity, a sense of devotion to our fellow citizen.  More than roads and structures, we built a beacon of hope.

It is so very easy to give in and take the low road, but in recognizing this culture of hate that has seeped into our daily lives we must recognize the capacity of love that we have within us.  Each and every one of us is capable acting out in manners of genuine goodness.  We are at a crossroads.  So, instead of looking down upon your neighbor, give them your ear and hear them out.  Give them your hand and help them up.  Give them a voice because we are in a time where they may not always be heard  #WeAreWT