As I turned on the news, the same headline ran through the screen several times before I could even process the words in front of me.
49 dead, 53 Injured in Florida Nightclub Shooting.
Mass shootings happen so often in the U.S that you think we would all be accustomed to hearing about these traumatic events. However, every shooting seems to be worse than the last and they all leave a gut-wrenching feeling in the pit of our stomachs.
On June 12th, at around 2:00 A.M., an Islamic man entered an Orlando, Florida LGBT nightclub with an assault rifle and a handgun, killing 50 citizens and injuring 53.
It was the largest mass shooting in U.S history.
50 innocent lives were taken on this day because they lived a lifestyle that the Islamic attacker didn't agree with.
These people didn't choose to be gay -- they didn't wake up one morning and decide that's how they were going to live their life. They were born as beings attracted to the same sex. They were simply living day by day as a part of that community, and it sadly cost them their lives. It's heartbreaking to see so many people who are against this way of life. The harsh reality is that there will never be a day when there is equality and acceptance for all humans.
I'm thankful to say that I have never actually witnessed a terrorist attack and/or a mass shooting myself, but it doesn't mean it's any less painful to hear about and watch the news.
Guns are the root of all evil in this world, and I wish more than anything we could rid them from our country.
I know there is so much controversy over gun control, but they are dangerous weapons and as long as they are legal and obtainable in the U.S., they will always fall into the hands of the wrong person and cost people their precious lives.
The problem with this country is that there aren't any real changes being made. When a tragedy like this happens, we are often in shock for the first few days. Soon, the word is spread about the need for gun control. No policies are ever actually enforced. We eventually all move on to our everyday lives, trying our best not to think about this tragedy. When we finally think that everything is "OK" again, the same thing happens all in one big cycle.
This is the problem.
We have to face the facts: the world we live in is filled with violence, and it might not ever change.
The best thing we can do is live every day to it's fullest and accept human beings for who they are. Guns should no longer control our lives or the decisions we make in life.
I will continue to pray for Orlando, and hope one day we can all find peace in this world.
