We live in a very charged world of opinion now. Listening to other viewpoints can be difficult when high emotions are often involved.

I try to force myself to understand other perspectives, because I recognize I might not always have great empathy for others’ plight. There are so many diverse circumstances, across just my state, not to mention the country or the world.

It is our differences that offer our greatest opportunity to learn and to build. We can create a fortified world with understanding and empathy, if we so choose.