I have been quite concerned by images of people celebrating the death of Osama bin Laden, and even comments by world leaders who said they “welcome” the news.

It is unpleasant to see anyone rejoicing at the death of another human being, no matter what they have done.

I try not to make a lot of political comment on this blog as it is about Visited Planet photography but my website does have a mission of educating, equipping and encouraging and so I wanted to post this excellent quote I received via Facebook that reminds us how important love is in the world. Thanks to Sharolyn Newington for sharing it.

“I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”  – Martin Luther King, Jr.

Here are some good positive images of love in places where there is struggle and difficulty; showing how powerful it still shines even in the darkness of life where there might be poverty, greed, oppression, exploitation or plain hard work.

Women embracing in a village that had been displaced by the government's creation of National Parks. India.

Young monks in Luang Prabang, Laos. While primary education rates are improving in the country, education is still a challenge for the Laos government. While many young boys receive education through monasteries, there is still a gender gap for girls. These young boys had been admiring their friend's work when I came along.

This family lost their house in an earthquake in Yogyakarta. Months later they were still living in a makeshift house but were also still enjoying life.

A young Italian farmer and his niece enjoy the moment during the grape harvest in Tuscany.

A proud mother displays her newborn while the grandmother looks on. People in this village had been displaced by the creation of national parks. India.

This older lady had lost her home (and her teeth previously) after a Yogyakarta earthquake. She was obviously still in good humour! While she lived alone she had received aid from Christian churches to rebuild her home.

These young kids in Hanoi were on a school outing and were holding the shirt of their classmate in front to keep together.

Young monks in Bhutan enjoying a break from studies to pat monastery dogs, displaying a love for all living things.

A grandmother in China takes up the task to feed her young charge.

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