Today is a significant day for silence, youth, and our schools. Today, across the country schools will participate in a National Day of Silence to protest the homophobic bullying that is killing teenagers and honor those whose lives have been taken by the barbaric hands of hatred.

Ten percent of all hate crimes occur at schools and colleges. If hate is learned, then it lies on the shoulders of our schools, church officials, parents, teachers, and communities to teach our young kids acceptance before they continue hurting each other, and before they become adults who will likely pass their hatred to the next generation.

When we heal the hatred and anger that lies in our own hearts and come to stand steadfast in our loving we become a beacon of light for the youth of our world. Youth who deserve to live long lives fully embraced, nurtured, and loved in the truth of who they are, regardless of seeming differences among sexual orientation, race, or gender.