Trying to describe events like what happened in Orlando over the weekend is almost as difficult as explaining why they happen at all. It’s wonderful to see communities come together after moments of great tragedy. (Click here to join others in Central Illinois supporting Orlando.) We all need hugs and prayers the most when we’re hurting. Why must it take such pain to bring us together?

An interesting lesson can be learned with sports. Often nothing divides a house like a Cubs/Cardinals rivalry or a left vs right political debate, but every so often it’s sports that unite us all. This August the country will come together to support the Olympic team. Right now, it’s the Copa America making brothers and sisters out of Americans again. Think about it. It doesn’t matter if the person next to you is a Cubs or Cardinals fan, or a liberal or conservative, or of a different ethnicity, religion, sexual preference, et al., all that matter is they are American, and as Americans we’re on the same team.

That’s how we always should be. When a tornado levels a town, we don’t only lend aid to those in the same declared political party. Let’s all try to come together always. Look not to “our leaders.” Look to our hearts, and ourselves. As always, please do something nice for someone.