There is a lot going on in the world right now. Currently, in the states, we are experiencing civil unrest and a push for change. The issues people are seeking justice for and to change have always been present and, until now, have not been addressed. People are expressing their rights to free speech and seeking a better tomorrow. The question on my mind without getting political is, are you changing for the better too? It can be very easy to hurt someone after you have been hurt. “An eye for an eye” will leave the whole world blind. What is it you truly seek? What will leave you feeling better at the end of the day? In this blog, I want to encourage you to be better in every way possible. Some areas will be more challenging to work on, but if you want true and significant change, it must be done this way.

What is happening currently is an increase in violence. This violence has always been around, but now more of it is being recorded. The main source for the most recent spike in civil unrest was sparked by the wrongful death of a man. People are saying that this is happening because the man was black, but I believe that to be of no importance. I believe what people are most upset about is that the person who caused this death was given no punishment. As a society, we have rules that must be followed for the betterment of all, but this was a direct violation of those rules. I understand why people are so passionate about seeking justice for the individual. However, is everyone going about it the correct way?

Not all the protests and movements that developed because of the death of George Floyd are geared toward violence. Many protesters are upset about what happened to this individual and are seeking justice in a non-violent way. However, the street is littered with other people who are protesting in an unjust way. Innocent people are being harmed because of their actions. Again, I understand you are upset at life and what has happened, but if you are so upset about your situation or the situation at hand, then it is not the death of Mr. Floyd you should be advocating for.

This all comes down to our predisposed way of thinking. Many of these people who are out causing harm are not satisfied with their life, so they rebel. However, they are rebelling against the wrong people. Yes, justice must be served, and peace must be maintained, but the road of violence and anger cannot be the way. I am familiar with being categorized by my skin and shackled unjustly, but I did not let those moments take who I was away. I actually gained a certain peace from all the struggles and traumas of life. It is a hard pill to swallow, but you can learn amazing things in moments of injustice and hate.

-My brother once told me a story of a king and a demon that has some semblance of our current situation.-

The king of the castle had to leave for business, so he left the castle in the hands of his army and staff. While the king was gone, a demon made its way into the throne room and sat on the king’s throne. This angered many of the staff and soldiers that were entrusted to protect and guard the castle. The soldiers came into the throne room with their spears and swords and threatened the demon. However, the demon would just laugh and grow bigger with all the hatred directed in his direction.

As the demon grew in size, also did the foul odor he was emitting. The demon continued to grow in size and reek this awful odor more and more each day. Soon he was unable to fit on the throne because he had grown so big. The soldiers had enough and were going to attack the demon and kill it before the king returned. However, the demon had now grown so big and strong that no spear or sword could pierce him. The soldiers were at a loss and feared they would have to abandon the castle because the stench had become so unbearable that it was hard to breathe.

Not soon after the thought had crossed their minds to leave, the king returned. The king was a wise one and saw what was going on. The soldiers hurried to the king to apologize and tell him the situation. The king nods and goes to speak with the demon. The soldiers are still angered and are pointing their weapons at the demon. However, the king is filled with wisdom, and he knows that hatred is not the answer. The king went to the demon and asked him if he was being cared for. The demon looked perplexed, too why the king did not direct his blade toward him.

The king called his servants and army to bring the demon something to eat and drink. He then called to have a bath run for the demon so that he could relax. He showered the demon in pleasantries and adoration. Soon the demon started to shrink, and the stench he emitted began to fade. The soldiers saw what was happening and threw down their swords. They asked the demon for forgiveness for how they treated him and joined the king and showed their demon guest some much-needed hospitality. With each gift and word of praise towards the demon, he grew smaller and smaller, and soon he vanished along with the awful stench.

Now that the throne had been reclaimed and the demon had disappeared, the king spoke to his staff on the matter. He had asked them to watch over the castle while he was out, but only to return to find his throne occupied by the demon. The soldiers knelt and offered their lives as penance to the king. The king rejected the offer of their lives and instead told them about how to rule a kingdom. He told them that though people are corrupt or unjust does not mean the sword is the answer. He said that sometimes love and compassion is the solution. He said that if you cannot know the difference between when to draw your sword and when to embrace another, then they would be relinquished of their duties. The soldiers wept that day and learned a valuable lesson.

~ Fin

The story is packed with many lessons we can apply in our lives right now. The number one lesson is that violence against violence cannot be the answer. I know wrong has and will continue to be done. However, are you a good example of how you can reach a “better tomorrow”? Are you setting an example for the change you want in the world? They say that if you cannot find kindness, then be kind – if you cannot find peace to be peaceful, and if you cannot find a leader, you must strive to become one yourself. You can be the change for the better tomorrow, but what is happening with the violence and riots cannot be the answer. People are destroying their own bridges only to complain later that there is no way across the raging river. You must decide what is best for you and not follow a movement where you have no place in because if it was a big deal to you before, then why have you not done anything until now?

Being better starts with your understanding that what comes into your life is because of your own doing. Even if injustice shows its face in your life it is up to you what you should do and feel. You can be filled with hatred or filled with forgiveness. Both will drive the change you seek, but just like the demon in the story, violence at times will strengthen the demons we have to face. However, peace/love/compassion can be the key we need to open the correct doors to have the conversations that must occur. I want you to continue to believe in what you will, but remember that the world is what you let it be. It can be filled with hate or filled with love. I think we should turn the faucet of hate off for a while and let love flow and douse all these hostilities. Be better than your adversaries and watch change envelop your world.

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then, when you know better, do better.”

~ Maya Angelou

Until then,

Michael Rearden

Founder of Reven Concepts