Facts on the Parisian Attacks
On Friday, Nov. 13 the world stood still as it suffered another tragic loss of innocent lives at the hand of terrorists. According to NBC Nightly News, at least four simultaneous attacks happened in Paris, France around 10 p.m. local time. Over 100 people died across the six locations that were attacked in and just outside of the capital, according to Paris prosecutor François Molins (CNN). Since France is still, understandably, in a frenzy and trying to make sense of the horror, details have not been completely disclosed nor solidified for other countries. ISIS has claimed responsibility for this crime.
This is an event that will go down in history because of the waves it is creating worldwide. Though there are devastating losses every day, the sudden Parisian losses seem more familiar to me. Maybe this is because I’ve learned about them in school or because I’m a huge "Les Mis" fan. Either way, I cannot help but be shocked that beautiful Paris was destroyed by the hatred of an extremist group. Unfortunately, nowadays, it is not if it will happen but when it will happen.
I believe that something as traumatic as the Friday terrorist attack resonates with Americans because we remember a similarly horrendous disaster nearly fourteen years ago. Not only do I think about the families and loved ones of the victims, but I also think about how sickened I am with the irrational, simple fear of doing something such as attending a soccer match without wondering if something will go immensely wrong. But I can’t worry like that, it's not healthy to be constantly afraid. As much as I love analyzing or posing “what-if” questions, I think that the best course of action right now is for everyone to take time and just feel.
Feelings about the Tragedy
Oh France, we mourn with you. As the death toll climbs our hearts sink deeper, breaking again each time that one blameless life is taken. I know that you will find the strength to triumph the wickedness of man and fight for justice, love and peace along with the world. We stand with you.
It’s not going to be easy. We will never understand why evil strikes to such a substantial degree so, instead, we must never let darkness overcome the light and love of the world. If there is one thing that is tried and true, it is that, together, we are courageous and powerful in dire times. We stand with you.
Although I am only a student, for whatever it’s worth, I send my love and deepest prayers to France. Although thousands of miles away, with different cultures and tongues, we are one people. One people plagued with terrorism and tragedy. We stand with you.
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8 ESV- A Time for Everything
"For everything there is a season, and a time for every matter under heaven:
a time to be born, and a time to die;
a time to plant, and a time to pluck up what is planted;
a time to kill, and a time to heal;
a time to break down, and a time to build up;
a time to weep, and a time to laugh;
a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
a time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together;
a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
a time to seek, and a time to lose;
a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
a time to tear, and a time to sew;
a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
a time to love, and a time to hate;
a time for war, and a time for peace."
There is a time for everything, even something so inhumane as this. Pain has no native tongue. The world suffers together. Our thoughts and prayers go to Paris. Vive la France.
