England’s Response to Hate Was a Wonder to Behold

Steve’ Note: We create this newsletter with the help of an outside company, who helps us make content we hope is helpful and instructive. As part of that process, articles are prepared in advance. I wrote these thoughts the week of the Manchester bombing, though some time has passed, and other equally challenging disasters have came upon us, notably the Grenfell Tower fire, I hope it can serve in memoriam and tribute to the way our nation and the world came together after the tragedy.

This month’s article is a departure from past issues. If you read the newsletter regularly, you know I use it as an opportunity to openly discuss my life and business. At the time of writing, it doesn’t feel appropriate to do so. There are more important topics at the forefront of my mind.

It’s a difficult time to write, as it follows the horrendous terrorist bombing in Manchester. The coming weeks and months will be equally tough, if not more so. Words cannot express how terrible the last few days have been for the victims, their families and the country.

The Manchester bombing was depravity beyond belief.

While every terrorist act is heinous, this was particularly so because it targeted young girls. It’s times like these that our individual and collective mental toughness is tested. It’s a long road ahead for all involved, but I hope time will help us heal.

What we’ve seen in the moments and days since the incident have been wonderful to behold. There have been so many remarkable acts of generosity, from taxi drivers offering to ferry people safely away for free to a homeless
man cradling a dying person in his arms. The whole of Manchester has come together in a wonderful spirit of resilience and determination to not let these cruel, merciless terrorists destroy our lives.

We must try to find some crumbs of comfort in this nightmare, and there are some. From thousands gathered in Manchester Square to show solidarity with their brothers and sisters, to the tattoo artist who offered free tattoos of the Manchester bee for a €50 donation to the families and victims, there are rays of love.

The incident gives us better perspective; at least, it did for me.

If you read my past articles, you know I’ve had health problems in recent months. I spent more time in a hospital leading up to the Manchester bombing, taking injections in my spine to alleviate pain. We all have pain and suffering. But this tragedy pulls into frame that there are worse things going on right on our doorstep, and they can make or break us as a country.

This week, I’ve watched the power of hope and solidarity triumph over despair and tragedy in many ways. The road to full recovery is long, and we will continue to face hardships and evil in the world. But when the next trial comes, may we all remember that awful day in May, 2017, when 22 precious souls were snuffed out in their prime, and Britain responded with power, solidarity and hope.