I need your empathy. And you need mine.

This election has refocused many people on long-standing differences in America. These are differences of race, ethnicity, class, gender, religion, sexual orientation and age. In short, they are differences of culture and identity.

For many, these differences – and the hate, fear and misunderstanding that accompany them – are not new. But they feel new. Because every time we open wounds that were not healed, the pain starts all over again. And so must the healing process.

A look at how people are either celebrating this election result or mourning it confirms that many of us feel deeply in our souls that this election was more than just our latest pick-a-president moment. Instead, this felt like the biggest statement possible about who we are and are not as a people, as a nation. And there’s a whole lot of “I’m right, you’re wrong” going around. No doubt, it’s born from deep hurt or strong indignation or both. But if that’s what we all keep doing — no matter how right you feel or even may be – will we accomplish anything?

As much as I, too, feel this election has been about something much more than politics as usual, much more than liberal vs. conservative or Republican vs. Democrat, as much as I feel this election has brought some ugly things (back) to the surface, I do not believe that the exposed, dark parts of our collective soul are necessarily our most dominant traits. I do not think they define or describe all of us, most of us or even half of us. I won’t believe that because I believe humanity is better and stronger than that, and I believe America is better and stronger than that.

I am not ignorant of the evil that exists among us. And I am certainly not ignorant of our past. I have experienced my share of the painful needle of other people’s “isms,” as have many I know and love deeply. I know there are extremists who advocate the worst ideas and actions imaginable. They can be found cloaked in every ideology, religion or political persuasion on the planet and I have always been wary of them, for they typically lack the one thing most necessary for society’s well-being and the progress of humankind: empathy.

Yes, empathy. This is what I’m about. This is what this platform and community are for.

I’m not better than anyone else. I’m human. Just like you.

So I’m asking you – no, I’m pleading with you – to practice empathy. Today. Right now. Practice empathy.

I’m not asking you to ignore the evil in the world. Empathy doesn’t mean we pretend we’re not hurting, or that we simply move on from the past, or ask others to. It certainly does not mean we offer sympathies when only real compassion will do.

Practicing empathy means we share our experiences with one another, authentically. It means we listen to and take in the experiences of others – especially the experiences of people we don’t understand or agree with. Practicing empathy means we actively seek to understand and connect, because we know the essence of our humanity is communion. And so we seek the higher purpose of community, of coming togther through shared goals, experiences and values. Through shared stories.

So, no matter your skin color, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, faith, how much you make, where you live, your educational background or your age, I’m here to tell you something.

Pay attention. This is important.

You have a life.

You have experiences.

You have value.

You have a story worth sharing.

And you are welcome in this place.

I invite you here to share your stories. Be vulnerable. Be open. Listen and learn.

No politics. No hate. No rhetoric.

Just everyday people sharing their stories because they want to connect. They want to understand. They want to be human.

I love you all. Have a good day.