Our lives seem to follow a basic law that is underpinned in physics, that “every action has an equal and opposite reaction.” My family had now found itself in a situation never experienced before. From a life of escaping conflict in a homeland, to building a new one in an adopted country, we ultimately lost everything that we worked so hard to achieve.

But it is in these moments of uncertainty and loss that we see the beauty that resides within humanity. We found family and friends that had discovered our shameful misfortune. And in this discovery, the reaction brought tears to my heart. My relatives felt so much sadness and sorrow in seeing our plight. They banded together and pulled us out of the ashes so that we may live to fight another day. Many of them will read this post and they know who they are. No expectation, only love.

And this love was poured forth to us because we love them so, with no expectation. Every action has a reaction. It was a powerful insight that has made me the man I present myself to you today. I now choose love as my every action as that is the reaction that will universally follow.

The conman that was responsible for the destruction in our lives, is a man that I too look towards with compassion and love. Because through his actions, I now realise the truth to my own existence.

When I discovered the truth behind his mask, I was enraged. So many thoughts encircled my mind. Anger, revenge, fear, and retribution. Yet as I went through these emotions, I churned them into unwavering ambition for justice of all people. The carnage left behind by this man’s actions was staggering. Families had been broken apart, with some committing suicide. In our situation, there were also a group of families that got victimised alongside us who were involved in the same scheme. Some of them weren’t so fortunate to have their relatives to aid them in their time of sorrow.

I went to meet them personally and I told them to never give up. For me, there was no other option. We banded together like a team, something I don’t believe had been done before. We took whatever documents we had, documented every circumstance, and went forth to the various departments of justice. After years of investigation and pressure, this man was finally convicted for his crimes. For me it isn’t about the justice of having him imprisoned. It is the future that can be created where the goodwill of humankind will supersede our desire for greed and attachment.

It was only a few weeks ago I had attended court to witness a sentencing hearing with my parents. At this hearing, I had a chance to meet the other victims. Like weary soldiers after the end of a bloody war, I saw deep sadness in their eyes. It broke my heart. Yet I continued to smile at them and give them encouragement as I believe that this is the secret to overcoming our obstacles in life. Then, I walked into the courtroom. After years of financial and legal battles, I came face to face with the man responsible. I looked into his eyes with the love that created all of us and made us one.