Every other week we're faced with the harsh reality that this world we live in is full of never ending tragedies and attacks. You turn on the news and each time there's a new attack we're updated on. We're given the basics: how many killed, who was killed, where it happened, who was the killer. The same old, same old. It's discouraging to say the least but also saddening.
While there's too much hate in this world in order for it to be peaceful, there's always a massive outpouring of support especially from social media. Usually when these terrible things happen, you see the hashtag "#PrayFor___" offering condolences and prayers to those who've been lost and for the area it occurred. For sure it's a heartbreaking event for any country or city, there's a broken, sad feeling that comes along with these tragedies and it spreads all over the world.
One thing that I've noticed when these hashtags are started on Twitter or any other social media platform, there's always someone with a differing opinion. I know it's not the norm for everyone to be religious, some people don't believe in any higher power and you can't convince them otherwise. As a Christian and strong believer in God, I pray for those who need it, those who need unity and healing from a tragic event. People who don't believe in prayer find it frustrating when someone says "I'm praying for you," like it's something that won't solve every little problem, like it's a waste of time and breath to even say it.
Yes, it becomes upsetting to constantly send our many condolences and prayers to a new country every other week because no one wants to mourn the many deaths of hundreds, sometimes thousands different, innocent people; it shouldn't be the norm.
For many, myself included, praying for someone is a way to show compassion, care and love in a personal and special way. Why should my offering of love and compassion be disregarded because it's not believed to be effective by certain people? Praying isn't the only action most religious people take when tragedies like these happen. Some take action through speaking out about this hate-filled world on public forums. Some start fundraisers to help pay for the victims families, giving them the stability to keep living their lives after losing someone so close.
People forget sometimes that the way others show care is different than their way. We've become intolerant of others' lifestyles and beliefs merely because they're not the same. Whether you pray or not, whether you believe in a higher power or not, the way you show compassion shouldn't be judged by others as long it's good in your heart.
