This picture was taken in the Holy Land when I served in the capacity of Deputy Secretary-General of the Baha'i International Community at the Baha'i World Centre.

During my time there, I learned about the importance of the Power of Love: not only on paper but in reality, not only with religious people or politicians or journalists or activists or locals but with everyone, men and women alike.

We could have focused on our differences and yet... we still found ways to work together because we purposefully chose to focus on what united us not what divided us... through respect, cooperation, and friendship.

Love is the only remedy that can bind our hearts together and teach us that should any difference arise amongst us, we can work on it for "difference is indeed the very essence of Humanity". (JOHN HUME)

To focus on love and unity make us surpass the goals we initially set and overcome the toughest challenges. 

Unity- Togetherness is the mean to reciprocity and cooperation between people, regions, and nations. It nurtures friendship and trust and destroys bullying and fear. 

Now, it is important to read one's reality, assess how to best use this powerful instrument, and build a "NETLOVE" in a practical and uplifting way, so one can transform as well as transform his/her/their environment. 

Pragmatism and realism are good, however, they should not be confused with cynicism and extreme relativism. Today, we see the glass is half empty, but could we purposefully focus on the glass half full too? Today, we can see many walls, but could we purposefully focus on bridges? Could we ask ourselves what are the capacities, skills, and attitudes we, together, need to build more peace, justice and equality for all?

There is never one way to read reality. And everyone should feel welcome to share their insights, their opinions... There is one undeniable truth however: 

that we, humans, are all endowed with dignity and rights, with a conscience which, when dedicated to serving our needs and the needs of the people we live with, through cooperation and unity, not without its own challenges, of course, we will still be "prosperous" beyond any expectations, and beyond our wildest dreams.