drawing the line in the sand

I've been studying Africa in two of my classes. It is a privilege and a heart breaking experience to follow its history and see such suffering. Our "world" in america blocks our view of places like Africa, through mind-dumbing activities that force us to think only of ourselves and our lives. But I've come to a simple conclusion and it is this:

the world is a full cup of equal doses of devastating beauty and absolute horror. We must never forget the one or the other. And it’s no use hiding from the horror. It’s as real as the rain; as the nails on our fingers. We cannot shut it out by closing our eyes. it will exist whether we choose to acknowledge it or not, like God.

Therefore, it is better to build our courage now, while we are apart from that evil, than be buried by it in shock and fear when we are finally faced with it.
Ignorance helps none of us. Sin is evil, and evil exists. Don't forget it. But don’t dwell upon the fact either. Recognize its validity and then put it away and engage yourself in the general goodness of life, for there are many, many wonderful things here.

And ultimately, it is the law of the universe that good will always be the victor. So make sure that you are on your respective side, whichever you choose.
Nobody respects an undecided mind. Be of firm belief in what you want-good or not good. Don’t sway in the middle; that’s not an option, and you will ultimately waste your existence if you allow yourself to hang between the two.

If you choose to be good, you must be all good, committing yourself to growing beauty and fostering love in the world. If you choose to be bad, you must commit yourself to that cause, for whatever reasons you may have. You may switch to any side you choose, at whatever point in your life, but you must be certain of your choice. There is no gray area.

So when picking sides, the line is drawn at our feet. and i have to say that ignoring the line equivocally puts you on a side already. it's real, it's sad, and it's ugly, but the only way to make a difference in this world, i believe, is to make that choice, and stick with it. and whether is africa, india, america, wherever, we are called to live out our lives with a strong mindset. lets not forget it.