People young and old were relaxing on the streets after celebrating France's national holiday. Full of joy from fireworks shows celebrating peace and unity. And then a massive white truck barrels down the main road killing 84 people. Including ten children. Leaving hundreds in hospital. Many fighting for their lives.
Such hatred for humanity. For innocent, happy people.
And what can we do? How many times can we say our thoughts and prayers are with you?
The Dalai Lama once said, "I am a Buddhist and I believe in praying. But humans have created this problem, and now we are asking God to solve it. It is illogical. God would say, solve it yourself because you created it in the first place. We need a systematic approach to foster humanistic values, of oneness and harmony. If we start doing it now, there is hope that this century will be different from the previous one. It is in everybody's interest. So let us work for peace within our families and society, and not expect help from God, Buddha or the governments."
Although our hearts break for those who lost their lives in Nice, we must continue to lead with love. And do our best in our own communities and neighborhoods to foster peace and acceptance.
As John Lennon once sang, "Imagine all the people living life in peace. You may say I'm a dreamer, but I'm not the only one. I hope someday you'll join us, and the world will be as one."