This past week has been one of the hardest for many reasons - there is no other word I can think of to describe it other than pure evil. When I think of all the lives that have been taken I feel sadness, anger, fear, but ultimately it leaves me feeling confused. Confused as to why it had to be them? Why were these innocent lives targeted? Confused thinking that this is all part of God’s plan? Why would he plan to take these lives away from their families too soon? Confused as to why our world has turned into an evil place.

On June 11, 2016, Christian Grimmie was in Orlando, Florida at a meet and greet with her fans and friends after her show. She was signing autographs, taking pictures and spreading her light and joy to others when a man named Kevin James Lolbi walked up and shot her. Her brother, Marcus Grimmie, was there and soon tackled Kevin when he shot himself, taking his own life. I’m sure because of Marcus’ quick action bringing down Kevin, saved many other lives but unfortunately, he couldn’t save his sister. Christina was rushed to the hospital but died shortly after. At this point in the investigation, they have no clue why Kevin committed such a horrible act - it seems that he had no motive, no reason to kill her in cold blood. It was later found out that Kevin came armed with two handguns, two extra loaded magazines, and a large hunting knife. Now you would think, coming into a crowded theater with over 120 people there would be security present and searching everyone entering the building, right? How can someone with that many weapons, with a clear desire to take someone’s life, slip through? Apparently at the venue, Plaza Live, there are no metal detectors and people are not patted down upon entry. Imagine if these precautions were taken - she would still be here. Christina Grimmie was a YouTube star with over three million followers and won a spot on "The Voice," where she took 3rd place overall. She was such a talented young lady who did nothing but spread positivity, love and her gift of music to the rest of the world. I can’t fathom why someone would want to take such light away from all the people who loved her. Sadly, Christina Grimmie is another name on the growing list of senseless deaths.

As if we needed any more reason to fear, on Sunday in the early hours of the morning, 50 people were killed and 53 more were badly injured. This act of pure evil took place at a gay club called Pulse. Innocent people part of the LGBTQ community were out celebrating Pride Month. This time last year was a big moment for their community because they were finally promised the right for marriage equality. While so many people were out to celebrate a tremendous victory, it was cut short when a sick and evil man decided to ruthlessly murder 50 innocent people. The shooter was identified as Omar Mateen who has apparently pledged an alliance with ISIS and might have been mentally ill. This community has lived in fear for so long, they have stifled who they truly are because it doesn’t fit in someone else’s lifestyle, and they finally had a victory. They were free to love whomever they choose, they no longer had to live in a state of constant fear. It breaks my heart to think that this tragedy has struck more fear in their hearts.

I can’t stand that we live in a world where we have to wake up to such senseless tragedies. I can’t stand that we now live in a world where it isn’t safe to be yourself. I can’t stand that there are people in the world who think they are better than others, so they result to murder. In times like these, it’s important to keep your faith and pray. Honestly, it’s getting harder for me to turn to God in situations like this. We are told that God has a plan for everything, but I can’t see why He would have planned this. What’s the point? Why would he let so much death, pain, sadness and fear out into the world?

“Without pain, there would be no compassion.” “Tell that to the people who suffer.”

We now live in a world that spreads hate rather than love. In a world that feeds off other people’s fear, rather than hope and these senseless acts of hatred are a reminder that nothing in this life is promised. Because of this, take time today, and every day, to spread hope, love and find out how you can help so we can make strides to make a better world for ourselves, because this is the only life we have and we don't want to waste it.