An open letter to the world:
You are constantly in my prayers.
I remember being about 7 and having kids at school ask the all too familiar question, "if you could have 3 wishes what would they be?" I always answered world peace.
I look back to 9/11 and remember exactly how I felt watching the buildings where my dad worked being burnt and collapsing to the ground. I remember people jumping out of the buildings. I remember the fear and panic the world had while watching this horrific event. My siblings didn't quite understand, but I had a personal moment of silence.
I remember every day in elementary school until high school being given at least a minute of silence; a moment right after reciting the pledge of allegiance. For the kid whose dad is serving our country, for those that had fallen, for the safety we have that other countries do not know, for freedoms and dreams I could aspire to with no limitation. That time of reflection is so sacred to me, I continue it, even still.
I remember people trying to convince me that there is no such thing as world peace. "There will never be a time that everyone is so peaceful" they said.
I'm not naive. I am aware it's practically impossible to imagine a world where people don't get offended or die. I do believe it's only going to get worse until it gets better.
But I do believe in world peace. I do believe that when the earth stands still in Nice, Dallas, Orlando, and many other places, that we, as humans, come together. We, as humans, take that moment of silence. We, as humans, pray to our God or the universe and ask for help, care, medical assistance, and peace. We, as humans, have lost too many that are a part of our worldly family. We, as humans, create peace when we love a little harder, hug a little tighter, and pray or think a little harder about our actions towards one another.
Those that have personally been affected by these terrible attacks cannot have the joy of seeing those loved ones again. They cannot stop thinking of June 12, July 7, or July 14. For them, that's when time stopped. I can only imagine how it feels and what they would do to go back in time. Turning on the news includes interview after interview of devastated victims. As of today, 7,578 heartbeats have been lost in United States of America from gun violence alone in 2016. Will there ever be a time I can turn on the news and not see the phrase "Many killed in *insert new city or country here*"?
The world is a beautiful place with beautiful people who were meant to do beautiful things. My heart aches to know of the hatred throughout the world, that there are those who view other lives as having lesser importance, that there are refugees fleeing for their lives, and that mass killings seem to occur constantly. Yet, I know that evil will never win. Humanity has proven that with more and more evil, we fight harder with love, prayers, donations, and strength. Light will always overcome darkness, good will destroy evil, and one day this world will be a place of serenity and in a state of hope and love.
But never, ever forget: it starts with you. You are constantly in my prayers.
With the utmost love and respect,
The girl who prays for world peace
