Hope in Heartbreak

In the wake of all of this bloodshed and heartbreak, I feel an unexpected thing: hope. 
I feel hopeful, because the heartbreak that so many of us feel is is a powerful catalyst for change and healing. 
Hope isn't wishing for some outside force to fix things in the distant future. It's realizing that our inner force is enough to start fixing things right now. This healing is not going to be easy, it's not going to be pretty, but it is definitely within our power. 
So let's take these new cracks in our heart, put our fingers inside, and break our hearts all the way open. There is no room for fear, avoidance, or hate. Let the change start with you. 
Give yourself the compassion and care you need. Examine your prejudices. Be actively kind to other people; see them, and hear them. Don't become complacent, don't forget, don't ignore, don't be silent. Especially those of us who are white, because that gives us the privilege to speak out in relative safety. Leverage your privilege. When you see injustice, it is your responsibility to change it. 
If you can't find the words on your own, please amplify black people's voices right now. Share articles, donate to victims' families, show up at protests, and contact your elected officials. 
You can't change the whole world all at once, but you can start the change. You must participate, and you must start now. 
I love you, I see you, I hear you, I believe in you. 
http://contactingthecongress.org/ 
https://www.usa.gov/elected-officials