Our earth can be a scary place. As humans, we are vulnerable yet powerful at the same time. A lot of tragic things happen every day, and yet we still somehow don't change the way we think or what we should believe.

Some people say, "bad things happen to good people." I could say that that has never been more accurate than right now. Even though we tend to forget events after they happen a couple months later, it seems our lives haven't fully comprehended the horrible things that keep happening, before another one occurs.

I've tried to sit down by myself and comprehend everything that has happened since I started growing up and realizing all the horrible things that have taken place in my country. The thing is, we don't know why these things happen. There is no answer. We don't know why some people feel the need to kill another with their bare hands. We don't know why peoples lives are taken from us too early before they get the chance to truly live. That's the thing, there is no answer and my goodness, is that something that's hard to understand.

Having to say goodbye to someone you never had the chance to say it to, hits you like a freight train. The freight train bashes into you constantly every morning when you wake up and when you try to go to bed at night.

This is when the faith you believe in comes into play. You have to believe there is something more, something better; a greater plan. That perhaps, these people were needed somewhere else. I know when things like this happen, it's hard to believe. It is for everybody. The thing is, it doesn't matter if you're Christian, Catholic, Jewish, Muslim, etc.....when somebody you love dies you have to know deep down there is something greater.

It doesn't matter if you're black, white, purple, or blue....you have to. When things like this happen, we love to blame the other person. We love to put blame on maybe guns instead of the person, the Muslim faith instead of the person. It's something I will never truly understand. Yes, guns kill people, people kill people but killing someone should never happen in the first place, no matter who you are.

The thing is, we all think we have more time than what is given to us. I pray that every single one of you this past week has stepped back and realized that this is not true for everything or everyone. I hope you realize more, think more, love more.

Enjoy life. When is it going to be enough to understand that anything could happen? Take risks, go on adventures, and follow your dreams even if you think they are far-fetched and impossible. Stop worrying about what may happen, stop waiting for Friday to come and focus on right now. Enjoy that right now with all you have.

Be kind. Should be simple right? But for others, it's difficult. Don't just be kind because you are told to be, but because it's something that should be natural to us all. Let every word you speak be of kindness, and not something that will tear down another.

Stop judging. As scary as it is, the judging keeps getting worse. It's turning into instead of just thoughts or but actions now too. Some people just may never get it. I understand that sometimes we judge people and things without even realizing we are doing it. Remember that there is a story behind every person. Don't just assume things in your head because you may have heard it somewhere else.

Love yourself. Yes, this one may be the most difficult. Just know that we are given this chance to live and be happy. We are given what we are given, nothing can change that and we should love it with every chance we get. Embrace the things you love about yourself! We are all different!

It may never make sense. Like I said before, these things happen and we may never get the answer as to why. At some point, we will accept the act that we will never know the answer to some things and trust in our hearts and the world that everything will be okay. Maybe not right now, but at some point.

You deserve to be happy. You deserve this life. We all do. Embrace the life you are given. Feel the sand between your toes as you walk on the beach. Roll down all the windows in the car and put your hand out as you feel the wind trace your fingertips. Dance in the rain and let the drops cover every inch of you. Climb that dang mountain. Eat that last piece of cake because you can! Call your mother because she probably, most definitely misses you. Watch the sunrise with each pastel color and then watch the sunset the same night.

Never give up on your dreams even if others tell you it's impossible to achieve. Fall in love even if you know you may get hurt in the end. Tell her you love her. Tell him you love him. Hang out with your best friends and remind them how thankful you are for them in your life. Step out of your comfort zone even if you may be afraid. Go to that movie, even if you think the ticket is a little expensive for a dang movie. Travel when you get the opportunity to. Be confident in yourself and take care of yourself. Take care of others and never take life for granted.

Tonight, please take a moment to pray for those we have lost. Thank you.