Where do you see the sense of common humanity that Gates talks about?

Gates says “in the universal human desire to be happy, to develop our gifts, to contribute to others, to love and be loved - we’re all the same. Nobody is any better than anybody else, and no one’s happiness or human dignity matters more than anyone else’s.”

In this time when polarization and extremes are so prevalent, where do you see the sense of common humanity she is talking about? How is this expressed in your own life?

I see the sense of common humanity in the way people reach out to others, showing small and great kindnesses and help. Sometimes that means giving to a food bank and other times it means volunteering at the food bank. I have a dear friend who volunteers to help students who are struggling with reading. She can still do that in the pandemic through Zoom and other technologies.

I see the sense of humanity in my Missions group at church and the desire to serve and give to those in need. When we have had people come and share their stories, they have lifted us up by showing us their hurts and struggles yet they have hope because they feel surrounded by people who want to and do help.