We protest violence
In our neighborhoods
In our schools
But
Watch the latest action thriller blockbuster movie
Consuming violence for entertainment
We decry violence
Against our women
Against our children
But
Tune into TV shows where women beat
Each other up and down with violent language
We march against police brutality and gun violence
But
Play video games based on brutality and gun violence
Technology may have replaced the Roman colosseum
But
Our society's appetite for violence remains
News headlines reflect this
Unfortunately
I believe we will continue to lose souls to violence
Until our societal addiction to violence is confronted and treated
But
Who is society?
It is easy to point a finger
But
For every finger I point at another
3 fingers point back at me
It is time for us to treat our own personal addiction to violence
In whatever form it appears
With all the commitment and
Compassion that overcoming addiction requires
If
We want to see change in our world
We must be change in our world.