All people are important. All life is precious.

As the terrible aftermath of extremist action floods the media, I’m saddened and sickened by what I see. From my perspective, victims of atrocities are innocents caught up in violence caused by others. Though the faces of those hurt, homeless or dying are not known to me, I see human suffering and weep for it.

We are human, we are the human family on this earth and we should love every member of it. More than that, we should love and treasure all life and the wonderful earth on which we live.

In the face of bloodshed on such a massive scale, how can we, human beings who care, make a difference?

Make every day a day to spread love. Buy a Big Issue. Add items to your shopping trolley for a food donation box or an animal rescue centre. Hold the door open for someone in a shop. Support your local high street. Hug freely. Let your friends and family know how much you love and appreciate them. Give of yourself in any way you can, no matter how small, with no thought of reward.

We cannot end the violence on distant shores but we can live by example.

Be the pebble in your pond and spread kindness wherever you go.