How does one eloquently, sensitively, poignantly address one of the most destructive tragedies our nation has ever seen?
Headlines and articles, news segments, live updates, Tweets and Facebook statuses have cried out for gun control. The words "terrorism" and "radical Islam" have been tossed around like candy. People have chimed in with their political opinions, their preferred (or disdained) presidential candidates' perfect (or invalid) proposals for solution, and their own beliefs on how in the world something like this could happen.
Hamilton star and creator, Lin-Manuel Miranda, gave a beautiful tribute to the victims of the Orlando shooting in his Tony's acceptance speech.
As he so passionately and eloquently put it, "Senseless acts of tragedy remind us that nothing here is promised, not one day." He continues, "We live through times where hate and fear seem stronger. We rise and fall and light from dying embers, remembrances that hope and love last longer. And love is love is love is love is love and cannot be killed or swept aside."
So, then, what is to be done? Aside from the posts and status updates, what is to be done? I'd be a fool to think I have any idea. Is it but a change of attitude -- the desperate urge and push for American citizens to become educated on gun laws, of the practice of the Islamic faith, of the details of this attack and others like it? I was talking with my mom about how unsettling the headlines are, how devastating it is to read the numbers, to see the footage. "I feel helpless. I want to help and there's nothing I can do," I said.
"Well, I would guess that a person of faith would pray."
As with any tragedy, it seems insensitive and unfair and wrong to just move on with our lives as if nothing has happened. I don't know the solution to the problem; I am safe and sound in a hotel room in Charleston with my family and friends safe and sound as well. Who am I to say what happens next?
What I do know, however, is that the conversation can't end at the 180th character of a Tweet, signed with the hashtag "#prayforOrlando." Instead, our country and the rest of the world desperately and urgently need to actually pray for Orlando. Pray for those who lost their lives, for their families, that those with and without Christian faith feel comfort and peace and love in a time where those things seem nowhere to be found. We can't solve the world's problems with the snap of the finger; no speeches, Tweets, letters, or press releases can do that. It's hard to contemplate solutions to such a massive problem. In Bob Goff's book "Love Does," he says "Most people need love and acceptance a lot more than they need advice.” I beg and plead that our prayers grow even stronger, more fervent and more frequent.
The questions shouldn't stop being asked when the news stops updating us every few hours. If you feel uninformed, investigate. Follow news sources on social media, read newspapers and check up on headlines often. Research the Islamic faith. Witness all sides of the arguments for and against gun control and domestic safety.
Finally, don't be afraid of having difficult conversations. Goff also says, "You don't need a plan, you just need to be present." Whether you know someone affected by the attacks personally or not, don't shy away from the topic. Talk with your friends and family on what you think should be done to prevent tragedies like this from occurring in the future. But don't stop there; take action. Contact legislators if you feel passionately about gun control. Support victims of the Pulse shooting by donating. Seek more information on vigils, counseling, and blood drives happening throughout the state of Florida.
It's important to grieve, to mourn. But it's also important for us to acknowledge that we aren't necessarily doing anything for the people who were injured and killed by simply mourning. I feel confident in our country's resiliency and love. The strength of our nation will be defined by our responses in times of tragedy.
