It’s been another miserable week in the world. Not for me personally, but in general. The events last Friday in Christchurch, New Zealand were shocking. Appalling and more importantly were something that simply doesn’t belong in this world.

I can’t begin to understand the reasons people decide that terrorism is the right idea. I can’t begin to imagine the hate and fear that erupts in one’s mind that leads them to such actions.

But I know this. innocent people lost their lives. Families were destroyed. Hopes and dreams were lost. People doing good met a cruel end. It’s not fair!

A lot of the debate since Friday has focused on racial issues, immigration and gun control. A lot of this is predictable. It highlight’s a world which is not comfortable in its own skin.

The answers to those questions are complicated. Blaming immigration is an excuse, not an answer. The answers are as complicated as they are deep and time consuming.

What I also saw on the weekend was acts of love. Love wasn’t present on Friday when the Australian gunman terrorised a community. Since then though love has been very present.

I’ve seen it in the actions of those who tried to help stop the atrocity. I’ve seen it in those who braved their own lives to come to the aid of those hurt. I’ve seen it in the actions of the New Zealand Prime Minister Jacinda Arden who has reached out and shown love, care, tenderness and unity.

It’s those actions that are the world that I want to be a part of. This is a world that needs us to be together. It needs us to break down the stigmas and classes and remind itself that we’re all in this together.

Deep down we are not different people. We are just people with different ideas and different experiences. If we broke everything down I guarantee we all seek the same things. Love, happiness, prosperity, good health and safety.

For me the actions of Jacinda Arden this weekend in showing such unity is something that will stay with me. And just maybe the word “Unity” is one this world needs to hold a little closer today.

To show unity is to unite. To come together. To stand alongside each other with a purpose that we can agree on. Those that fear other races and cultures are missing the point.

All races and cultures have an element of people who will strike fear and hate in to the world. They are a minority. I don’t doubt that these are challenging times in which we live. We do have to be careful. We must be more vigilant than ever before.

But for those who live in fear and/or with anxiety because of their race or beliefs my heart goes out to you. I want you to know that there is most definitely a place for you. I hope you find it. I hope it feels safe. I hope you feel love when you find a place. I hope it feels like home.

Why?

Because you’re entitled to it. You deserve it. It’s the way things are meant to be. Fear has no place here. The No Vacancy sign is up!

The past week has again reminded us that life is a gift. It is not something we are guaranteed. How we choose to interact with others does matter. It can make a difference. Sadly, it can make a huge difference as we saw last week.

So choose to be a positive difference today. Remind yourself that we are all not so different after all. Allow yourself to impact positively on those around you today. It doesn’t have to be much, actions speak so much louder than words.