Brussels: You are not alone

The news of the Brussel's attack has shocked the world.
Just when everything seems quiet and safe, we are rocked off our feet once again.

Now we are again in fear. France and Germany are on alert, awaiting another attack that may never come. Police in major cities are afraid that this new attack could convince others of Islamic State to make their move. We are withdrawn from strangers in the streets, imagining them as the next bomber to strike.

But we are not isolated.

Images of Solidarity: http://ktla.com/2016/03/22/images-of-solidarity-support-for-brussels-flood-social-media/

It is in times of fear that the world unites. This image of the Eiffel Tower, the symbol of France, lit up in the colours of Belgium is one such example.

ISIS wants us to be separated, isolated, alone, because alone we are weaker. We must keep in mind that this is the act of terrorism, and not religion.

I say this, because just a few weeks ago I discovered that a friend of mine was Muslim. I believe he expected some sort of major reaction of surprise or fear from me. Instead I asked what it was like, to be a part of a community that so many have labelled evil because of the actions of a few people. He told me that people are faster broadcasters of the news than the media. When I asked him to elaborate he said that he always gets bad looks after something has happened, "My mother and sister get it worse, they wear the headscarf."

Simply,
this is wrong.
And exactly what ISIS wants.

So pray for Brussels, pray for peace, but also pray that we stay united, and do not make enemies of ourselves.

Or else the terrorists have already won.

They act only to cloud us in terror. Well lets fight them with strength. Lets fight them with sheer united numbers. Lets stand against them, as one people, fighting against tragedy, loss, fear and discrimination.

Lets stand against them as the human race.

I give my sincere condolences to all those affected by this tragedy. I cannot begin to imagine what it must be like. I cannot begin to fathom the despair, anger, hopelessness and all other emotions spawning from this heartache and fear.

But know this, in perhaps your darkest hour...

Know that

You are not alone.

- Michelle