I woke up Sunday morning to the news of a mass shooting in Orlando, Florida. A city that, only 3 years ago, I called home. My first thoughts were a blur of confusion. Then, the worry set in. Please God, let my friends be okay. (I am thankful that Facebook has the "marked safe" feature.)
As I watched the news and read reports, tears streamed down my face. Not because I knew anyone involved, but because that city changed me for the better. Because that city holds a special place in my heart. Because one person's hate ended over 50 innocent lives and destroyed the hearts of all of their loved ones. Because I know what it feels like to unexpectedly lose someone you love. Because I have felt the suspense of not knowing if a loved one survived something so tragic. Because every single day I am amazed by the amount of HATE we have, not only in our world, but in our country. Because I was overwhelmed by the love and support of strangers who wanted to help. Because I was overwhelmed by by the selfless acts of kindness that came from such a hate filled tragedy. Because maybe, even with all of the hate, we have hope left for humanity.
I am not usually one to voice my opinion on controversial matters, but for some reason, this whole situation really cuts me deep. You might not like what I have to say, it may even seem hypocritical, and in no way is this post meant to offend anyone. I just want to give people something to think about. Here goes....
I know this is America and we all have the right to voice our opinion, but now is not the time. There is such a thing as tact. There is such thing as empathy. Let's not make this about something other than what it is. Let's not take away the importance of the lives that were lost and the grieving process of their friends and families.
You don't believe in homosexuality? Great!
You blame it on gun control? Great!
You say it has nothing to do with gun control? Great!
You blame Obama? Great!
You think Trump or Hillary will change things like this for the better? Great!
You think the presidential nominees will change it for the worse? You guessed it....Great!
Is ISIS to blame? Who knows!?
Have any other negative, controversial opinions? Those are all great too!
KEEP IT TO YOURSELF!
My point is that it has only been TWO days! Can we at least wait a week or so before we start the ranting and controversial opinions? Can we allow time for reality to set in and at least some mourning to take place?
What we need right now is more love and support for each other, not more hate and more controversy. Our opinions about the laws and the difference between right and wrong are not going to change the world. At least not for the better. Our love and kindness will. Please keep that in mind the next time you want to voice your opinion. Is it going to make the world a better place? Or is it just going to create more negativity?
If you know me, you know i'm a quote person. Here are some verses I found that I feel relate to this post. Don't believe in the Bible? That's okay. I found some quotes from history that also relate.
"Hatred stirs up strife, but love covers all offenses." Proverbs 10:12
"Above all, keep loving one another earnestly, since love covers a multitude of sins." 1 Peter 4:8
"You must let no unwholesome word come out of your mouth, but only what is beneficial for the building up of the one in need, that it may give grace to those who hear." Ephesians 4:29
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness. Only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate. Only love can do that." -Dr. MLK Jr.
"If you judge people, you have no time to love them." Mother Teresa
"You must be the change you wish to see in the world." Gandhi
"Kind words can be short and easy to speak, but their echoes are truly endless." Mother Teresa
"No one is born hating another person because of the color of his skin or his background or his religion. People must learn to hate, and if they can learn to hate, they can be taught to love, for love comes more naturally to the human heart than its opposite." - Nelson Mandela
