One of the great attributes about our country is our ability to come together in times of disaster, emergency and crisis. In the last year alone we have witnessed wildfires, floods, tornadoes, and a persistent pandemic, all of which have had unimaginable effects, cost lives and livelihoods, and wrought devastation and disaster. But we should ask ourselves: why does it often take a crisis for Americans to be unified? It is my prayer that we, as a nation, can commit to making empathy and concern for our neighbors and brothers and sisters a part of our daily lives. A crisis should simply strengthen our resolve and unity; not create it. Let us pray that we can develop a proactive instinct and live in greater harmony.