I can't be the only one that every time I read that phrase still hears that annoying song from Phenomenon by Eric Clapton.
But, with a more sober tone, I am so saddened right now that to look at this topic and not think about mass shootings and police violence, and violence against police, is impossible.
I've not been writing this post because I feel like it deserves more time and deep thought than I have been able to muster. But can't you feel it, from everywhere? Everyone is so tired, we are so tired of fighting, so tired of anger, of hate, of injustice, of intolerance. I look around and see most of us do want to get along, we want peace and safety, mercy and if not that at least justice.
Every week now there are more, not just one but several killings, shootings, and if not shootings it's a truck, it's a bomb, it's something.
Aren't we all just tired? What can we do?
I know the solution we have is to be part of the change, be kind, be thoughtful and be a good neighbor. Watch out for the people around you, stand up to injustice, to bullying, to the small things. And we have to try not to be afraid and not to become numb. I hate that I hear about what's happened this last week and I don't cry, I just shake my head. Two weeks ago, would I have cried? I need to cry still, but the tears don't always come.
It's a world many have lived in for a long time. Eyes open to the fact that there could be a bomb, a terrorist, a stranger who can no longer mentally cope with what they've been dealing with, that takes matters into their hands, that ends and ruins life for others because they can't see another way, whether blinded by illness or pain or hatred. It's a world we have shared in moments, but it's getting worse and it's hard to face. We, too, have to open our eyes and live knowing that our world can always be shattered. It can be taken away.
But somehow we have to find a way to live on, to keep doing and becoming and creating. We have to be that change. I want to change it, I know how, but will it ever be enough?
But, with a more sober tone, I am so saddened right now that to look at this topic and not think about mass shootings and police violence, and violence against police, is impossible.
I've not been writing this post because I feel like it deserves more time and deep thought than I have been able to muster. But can't you feel it, from everywhere? Everyone is so tired, we are so tired of fighting, so tired of anger, of hate, of injustice, of intolerance. I look around and see most of us do want to get along, we want peace and safety, mercy and if not that at least justice.
Every week now there are more, not just one but several killings, shootings, and if not shootings it's a truck, it's a bomb, it's something.
Aren't we all just tired? What can we do?
I know the solution we have is to be part of the change, be kind, be thoughtful and be a good neighbor. Watch out for the people around you, stand up to injustice, to bullying, to the small things. And we have to try not to be afraid and not to become numb. I hate that I hear about what's happened this last week and I don't cry, I just shake my head. Two weeks ago, would I have cried? I need to cry still, but the tears don't always come.
It's a world many have lived in for a long time. Eyes open to the fact that there could be a bomb, a terrorist, a stranger who can no longer mentally cope with what they've been dealing with, that takes matters into their hands, that ends and ruins life for others because they can't see another way, whether blinded by illness or pain or hatred. It's a world we have shared in moments, but it's getting worse and it's hard to face. We, too, have to open our eyes and live knowing that our world can always be shattered. It can be taken away.
But somehow we have to find a way to live on, to keep doing and becoming and creating. We have to be that change. I want to change it, I know how, but will it ever be enough?
I still maintain that there will always be more good in the world than bad. It is what we welcome into our lives, and sadly, we are bombarded with the evil. It sells. Sex sells. Bad things fascinate people. I'm not immune to that. None of us are.
ReplyDeleteIt is so hard not to get overwhelmed and to feel hopeless and helpless to combat these things. We need to cling to each other and our faith more tightly than ever.
ReplyDeleteYou're so eloquent...you put it perfectly. I believe everyone does feel so tired! It's sad how it's not surprising anymore, just depressing. Please write a book some day...Love ya
ReplyDelete