We must make sure that in our initiatives to save the world that we don’t leave some behind.

As Donne author of Meditation XVII Surmised,

“All mankind is of one author, and is one volume. And perchance I may think myself so much better than I am. No man is an island,  entire of itself; every man is a piece of the continent, a part of the main; if a clod be washed away by the sea, Europe is the less, as well” (Jokinen).

The world is suffering and many are moaning and reeling under the weight and pressure of a world upended .

The world is disrobing, shedding the false realities wherein it was cloaked. All its inhabitants are feeling the affects.

Not all the suffering has been visible. Not all the suffering has been televised.

But undoubtedly, the deep wounds are being exposed to light that healing may begin. But in this process people are being crushed beneath the pressure

Some may ask why must that matter to me?

Donne goes on to say, “… But this bell that tells me of his affliction, digs out, and applies that gold to me: if by this consideration of another’s danger, I take mine own into contemplation” (Jokinen).

I reason that what another suffers, I could very well suffer. And when I think of this I think of the need to do something.

Such warrants a moment of reflection.

A few days ago when perusing social media I discovered a news piece that brought me to tears.

A young and talented writer with much acclaimed success had taken her life, at only 39 years old. While her work was stellar, and her success solidified, none of that could save her from her suffering.

Thus, I cried.

Why may you ask?

Because, I am very familiar with the fight one wages against anxiety and depression, which it is documented that she also battled. And, her death diminished me. I saw in her a reflection of who I was. I understood that the same bell that tolled for her could have tolled for me.

I know that this is a battle that many have fought and are still fighting alone. And, living in current times; times of uncertainty, revelation, struggle, and adjustment does not make it any easier. We are all being affected in some way.

Healing begins when we all fight together.

I am calling on all who are making a stand, who are doing what is in their power to right the world not to forget those suffering in silence. Don’t forget your own families and people within your communities.

Check in, stand in the trenches with those who are hurting and help them fight their battles. Lets help alleviate suffering wherever it may be.