Sometimes when tragedy is so profound, it is hard to put into words the type of pain it causes. In light of recent events, it can be declared that many people in our country — better yet, in the world — are hurting greatly. Whether they are dealing with an inner tragedy, a family tragedy, a relationship tragedy or the national tragedies that have occurred this past week, people are hurting. And while it is important to address, cope and potentially repair these damages that have bulldozed unannounced through our lives, it is extremely important to recognize that we are afraid. It is OK for us to break down, to cry, to ache. But instead, we present ambiguous questions to unknown figures. We pound our fists at the news, at political figures, at articles that we see, as we ache with frustration and agony. We cry at the footage of tragedy striking and replay it over and over and think, “Why do we live in such a horrible world?” We let our fear of these unanswered questions spark more hate, which causes more hurt. It is true that the events that occur in the world are sometimes horrific, unexplainable and altering. However, we use them as a way to thrust our judgmental opinions onto others. We use them as a way to justify our finger pointing at the individuals we hold accountable in our minds. And, to me, it is unfair to turn our fear into blame. And it is sad that tragedy has to strike for us to hear statements like, “You really got to tell people you love them,” or “I think I’m going to call my parents to see how they are,” because tragedy has temporarily altered their emotions. I will now present a question that has not been presented in light of recent events.
Why do we need tragedy to strike so heavily and frequently for people to start appreciating the people, opportunities and blessings they have in their life? Why must we overhear the passing of a friend’s parent for us to realize that seeing our parents as frequently as possible should be a priority? Why must a mass killing of individuals that were loved and cherished make us realize that we should tell that person we like how much they actually mean to us?
Truthfully, I do not have the answers. And truthfully, I do not believe that any of us do. But what I do know is that a change needs to be made. A change in the way our country is behaving, yes, but an internal change in how we deal with life’s progressions. Instead of hurting, choose love. Choose to whole-heartedly love the individuals that are present in your life and to make it a priority to tell those your feelings for them if you haven’t. Instead of hate, choose strength. Choose to lift those who have lost and to support those in need. Instead of doubt, choose faith. Trust in His plan, and do not let your faith in Him waver because of a challenging time. Because the moment we let our hurt overcome our bodies, we accept hate and doubt. We let the fear of the unknown cripple our actions. But one thing will always make the fear, hate and hurt disappear. And that will always be love.
