I am afraid.

I am afraid that my children will wake up one day and not understand that there is a difference between Freedom of Speech and being free from consequences for what you say.

I am afraid that my children will be so immune to hatred and conflict that they won’t stand up to fight it because it’s simply the norm.

I am afraid that my children will not understand that the value of a person comes from what they can accomplish, not what they can accrue. And neither is decided by any physical characteristic.

I am afraid that my children will take the ability to succeed for granted…but worse yet, will not experience the value of being allowed to fail.

I am afraid that my children will not know that great leaders do not make you fear the unknown. But more importantly will give a sense of peace and security, even when the path is not clear.

I am afraid that my children will forget about the battles that others have fought, writing them off as trivial and irrelevant to their lives.

I am afraid that my children will raise their children to be even more removed from their surroundings.

I am afraid of all of these things…and more. Which is why I will teach my children to stand up for what is right, speak for those who can’t and appreciate the gifts and blessings that have been given.

I am afraid…but I must move past the immobility of fear. For darkness only fills spaces where the light doesn’t reach.

Be the light.

Darkness only occurs where the light can’t reach.