When I think of shootings in America I think about Sandy Hook Elementary school, Columbine High School, and the shots fired in a movie theater during the premier of a Batman movie. Recently Orlando has been on my mind.

On June 12, 2016, a gunman who has been identified as Omar Mateen, shot and killed 49 people with injuries to over 50 victims at an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando, Florida.

I think of these things because they should always be on our minds. We should not forget those who were killed and we should continue to pray for those who have been affected. The friends and families, the communities, our country should stand together.

I might be able to move on, as a college student in Birmingham, Al, but those who were personally impacted can not. I think of those who were at the nightclub and witnessed a tragedy but were not injured. I think of the firefighters, police officers, and hospital staff who helped survivors, the injured, and did everything they could for those who are no longer with us. I pray for those who may not have known that a relative or friend was at the nightclub and was told horrible news. I pray for those who had not “come out of the closet” but were there that night and are now under more stress than they imagined. I pray for those who were trying to have a fun night out when everything went wrong.

I pray for them because it could have just as easily been me, my friends, or my family.

Once I had that realization, once I knew that it could have happened in Atlanta, or Birmingham, Pittsburgh, San Diego, anywhere. I took a step back. I am thankful that it wasn;t me or those close to me but I am terrified for those it did impact. The shock that must be running through their mind two weeks later is awful.

Today, I am asking you to remember them. Although it isn’t being covered in the news as much as the week that it happened, it still happened.

The truth is that life sucks. It is unfair and everyone has pain. Shelley Giglio, a name known by many Christians and those who are a part of the 268 Generation, once said: “it is not a matter of if like will hurt, it’s a matter of when.”.

As Christians, we are taught to look to the cross in time of pain. If you are hurting or heartbroken but you still follow the Lord things will get better. I know that is easier said than done.

Hebrews 6:19 says that “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure”. The anchor that is mentioned here is God and how he sent his son to die for our sins.

As we hear less about the incident we hear more about what is being done afterward. Every mass shooting or massacre is different. The victims are different whether they are teachers, students, fans, or members of the LGBTQ community. The shooter is different. They could be mentally ill, participating in a terrorist attack or a hate crime, they could be hurt or damaged and out for revenge. The scenarios are all different. What we should be paying attention to are the outcomes. After a state of emergency actions are taken and lessons are learned.

Celebrities are lending their concerns. J.K. Rowling, author of the book series Harry Potter, send flowers and a card to a 22-year-old employee at Universal Studios’ Wizarding World of Harry Potter, Luis Vielma. There were 49 other celebrities, including Connie Britton, Lea Michelle, Max Greenfield and Chase Crawford, who honored the 49 victims who were killed in the Orlando Massacre in a video.

You can watch the video here.

President Barack Obama said the “ Orlando shooting rampage is a reminder of how easy it is for someone to get a hold of a weapon that could kill people in a "school, or a house of worship, or a movie theater, or in a nightclub.". He goes on to say "And we have to decide if that's the kind of country we want to be," President Obama added. "And to actively do nothing is a decision as well.".

In our world today there is often more bad news than good news shared publically and that is such a shame. Instead of focusing on the bad, we should go out and do good. Maybe inspire or comfort someone you know that has lost a friend or relative recently. Let people know that you are praying for them and then act on it. Keep those who have been negatively affected this year and are grieving no matter what the cause is in your thoughts and be grateful for what you do have.

Do not forget that on On June 12, 2016, 49 men and women were shot and killed at Pulse, an LGBTQ nightclub in Orlando Florida. With injuries to over 50 victims, it became both the deadliest mass shooting by a single gunman and the deadliest incident against LGBTQ people in U.S. history which is the reason people are coming together with pride and support for America and the tragedy in Orlando.