Where is the Love?

Society has taught us that we should focus only on ourselves. We have somehow lost the meaning of what it means to love our neighbor as ourselves. To do unto others what we would have them do unto us. All in the name of “national security”, “fear”, and most of all “hate”.

My sister brought up a good point stating that when a tragedy happens, people are no longer taking time to mourn the lives lost. Instead, we immediately start searching for who to blame. We have governments ready to order missile strikes, people afraid of talking to someone who looks different from them, and citizens ready to spew hateful rhetoric on those they feel are responsible.

The political tension is at an all time high. I am not ashamed to say that I blatantly disagree with the measures that are being taken by this country (more specifically, the President) when it comes to letting in refugees. Jesus himself said:

Daily, we come to God asking for help and guidance. What if He turned his head away because we didn’t look a certain way. It’s hard to fathom that this nation has come to the point of “looking out for its best interest” when there are people around us dying from war and famine. With that said, to all the citizens of the Muslim populated countries listed on this “ban”, I am sorry. Please understand that there are still loving humans in this country. And in the world. God has and never will forsake any of you.

This V-Day and moving forward, I’m taking the time to actively be a “loving neighbor”. Whether that’s volunteering for a cause (one organization I’ve been actively looking into is “Lunch on Me” which provides food for the homeless in the Los Angeles area) or extending my hand to help someone. You never know who’s life you may impact with a simple gesture of kindness. I have come across some amazing people who showed love and grace to me when I needed it the most. In all, we need to prove that love still exists. Shot at Urth Caffe in Downtown Los Angeles Arts District

All Photography & Edits by Kristen Ashley