JenCin Antiques and Unique Gifts: Jen & Cin walk together to Stop The Hate. Angel Action Atlanta

I am dedicating a second blog to Stopping the Hate. I will get back to sharing ideas and refinishing furniture soon but I wanted to share a great experience with our readers. On Sunday October 14th, Jennifer and I walked in the Pride Parade in Downtown Atlanta carrying signs with Angel Action Atlanta spreading messages, "Stop the Hate." Love, "Freedom," "Equality" and many more. Action Angel-Atlanta is the Atlanta chapter of the group that began in Wyoming after close friend Of Matthew Shepherd, Romaine Patterson, became known for combating the anti-gay antics of the Rev. Fred Phelps, whose followers picketed Matthew Shepard's funeral and the murder trials. Action Angel was founded in April of 1999 created as an organization for peaceful demonstration. Angel Action is now used all over the world as a means of combating hate.

This was my second year walking against hate. I walk for awareness and knowledge. If you know better you do better, right. History has proven that when hate and force are used control the actions of others it historically ends badly. The Salem Witch Hunts, The Spanish Inquisition, Hitler, Stalin, 9/11. History also proves that when actions that come from a place of love and compassion that Love Always Wins. Before some of you start quoting to me Romeo and Juliet's fated "love" story and very very young. Please remember, they were also being controlled by the hate their families had for one another. I learn more everyday and I want so much to live to see a future where everyone is aware of the impact and damage their words and actions can have on a life, and the domino effect of hate that proliferates if we do nothing to change what we know is right. There are very few people who have not been impacted by words of hate or criticism and been hurt by them, self esteem is very difficult to achieve when you are being judged by others. Some just don't have the strength or support systems in their lives to overcome the cruelty or fear of others. Apathy is also such a scary thought to me. If I do nothing then nothing will change and hate prevails.

I walk so that my children and their friends and future families have a better and more loving and accepting future. I learned a long time ago never to judge anyone until I have walked a mile in their shoes. Since, I cannot walk in anyone's shoes,

I walk in my own for those who can no longer walk for themselves.

So I guess you can understand why I was thrilled when Jennifer my daughter asked about walking with me this year. Savannah my other daughter is now interested in being a part of Action Angel Atlanta as well. I am anxious to read Jennifer's blog about her first experience. She has such a big big heart. I was pretty persistant with my donation request over the last two weeks. I would say I'm sorry for being a pest for donations, but that would be a lie, I'm not sorry for being your daily reminder for donations because this group needs a lot more support and can't depend on just there members who already do so much to really make a difference. I am so so appreciative of those who were willing to give to this cause this year. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. Your dollars helped make this this walk have a much bigger impact towards awareness of hate. The Angels could be more active in so many other awareness campaigns and be there to protect others from hate, if there were more donations coming in from you. If you can't walk there are other ways to help and please, please consider a donation no matter how small, Would you give some serious thought to your own past and how bullying hurt either yourself or someone around you. I will leave the donation link open on our page. Please share this blog everyone. Thank you for your time reading today. Thank You to all my Action Angel Family for what you are doing to Be the Change and Stop the Hate.