In the wake of a summer full of tragedy and controversy, people around the globe have sent their thoughts and prayers to the victims of Orlando, Dallas, Baton Rouge, St. Paul and so many more.
I am in full support of this. There is something so heartfelt about a person appealing to the highest power they can think of on behalf of another person. But in the wake of mass murders of those in the black, LGBTQ and law enforcement communities, many feel powerless. And feeling powerless leads to fear, which is a gateway to hate, anger and violence.
So instead of accepting these horrors as aspects of everyday life, and thinking that prayer is the only option, consider action. People often say that God works in mysterious ways, that you often have to put some thought into what God is trying to tell you.
So stop saying “all we can do is pray,” because that makes it seems like prayer is a last resort, only to be used when all other resources are exhausted. Because they are not. There are so many different ways a person can make a difference.
Consider writing a letter to a law maker to let them know that you don’t support the murder of black men and women. Reach out to your local LGBTQ support center to find a way to help spread awareness and acceptance in your community. Organize a fundraiser for the families of the brave men and women who put their lives on the line.
If you are a religious person, reach out to your parish leaders for advice and guidance. And if you aren’t, that’s okay, reach out to support centers and professionals. If you feel lost, instead of wallowing in the feeling, make a stand to finding your way. And the first step in that direction is to remember that just like the north star always points north, the best bet to finding peace is to spread it.
So take advantage of the opportunities afforded to you. When you get a free moment, bow your head and pray. And when you’ve finished your private moment, go on and make a difference.
With roughly 75% of Americans identifying themselves as religious, that is an astounding number of people who can make a difference if they set their minds to it.
I thought for a moment that maybe some people would disagree with this. They would say that some of these people deserved to die because of the color of their skin, the sexual orientation and gender, or job. But then I realized that those people aren’t truly religious, they may simply be mean people who hide their hatred and fear behind a label. They might be closed minded or ignorant; judging without ever taking the time to get to know or see a black person, an LGBT person or a cop as an individual.
And most of all, know that prayer is not a last resort. It is like the air you breathe, it is always there, and just like the way that sometimes it seems that all you can do is take a breath, you still have so many options. Just like every time you breathe, your heat beats, your blood runs through your veins; every time you pray there are people, writing, talking, enacting policies and procedures to make a difference.
So tonight, say a prayer. Tomorrow, get up and make a difference.
