With two wars raging overseas and a political battle boiling over here at home, we are inundated with messages of hatred, brutality and incivility. Vicious debates about ideology are dividing our country, leaving us weakened by our own discord. Embracing our humanity amid an increasingly inhumane world is becoming more difficult. The nonprofit sector shows us all how to live with an open-heart and not allow our compassion to be the collateral damage of the times. The thousands of Oklahomans who work in nonprofits embody humility. Although the issues we face are monumental and our battles can feel impossible, we rarely question the value of our contributions or surrender to a problem. We can see ourselves as we truly are – including our ability to impact change. Whether it is helping save animals, protect children, develop leaders or teach artist – to name a few – we know that in some small way, our work positively affects our world. Focusing on incremental changes and not allowing the overwhelming circumstances to dictate our course keeps us on a positive path. Our state’s charitable sector is as vast and diverse as our Oklahoma’s demographics. No one is out of its reach or outside its capacity. If someone (or something) is in need, a nonprofit is ready and willing to help. There are no contingences on political party, race, creed or religion. We help others without question or expectation. We serve in the spirit of service. We look past labels and see that which binds us – our shared human experience, our humanity. By focusing on our similarities, we can relate, understand and help one another. The heartbreaking images of war and divisive headlines do not seem to be ending anytime soon. Let’s not allow the brutality of the times to harden us and steal our humanity. “The Oklahoma Standard,” born out of the tragedy of the Murrah bombing, calls on us to treat one another with respect and grace. We lend a hand to our neighbor regardless of race, creed, politics or religion. We listen with an open ear and surrender judgement. We treat our fellow man the way we want to be treated. We see the humanity in everyone.