In response to the Orlando Tragedy

In the wake of the recent tragedy in Orlando, emotions are flying. These emotions range from confusion to numbness, grief to anger. Unfortunately they even include triumph, and rage. Each is understandable, though some are not commendable. Each of us processes in different ways. Since these events, there has been a dispute on what should be done to prevent another tragedy. We have turned human lives, real people's deaths into a political agenda. We first and foremost need to grieve and then work towards understanding of what led up to the events. Only then can we make decisions and impact the political arena.

I implore each and every one of you to allow the full weight of this situation to sit on you. Do not ignore it. Do not resort to numbness because this pain is too big to comprehend. Do not resort to anger or outrage without fully letting yourself sit in the pain and anguish that our nation is now experiencing.

"Never be ashamed to let your tears shine a light in this world." - Anthon St. Maarten

I then implore you to action. Outside the Orlando area it may seem that the best action is to complain, yell for change, and try to move on. This is not the case. Each and everyone of us can help. We may not be able to comfort those directly mourning, but we can share in their pain and work towards a better nation.

"A person may cause evil to others not only by is actions but by his inaction, and in either case he is justly accountable to them for the injury." - John Stuart Mill

Donate blood. Even if you do not live in Orlando, blood donation is always needed and works to save lives. Give money. There will be much need for help in Orlando in the coming days. Attend a vigil. Standing shoulder to shoulder with others in your community to remember the lost and share in the mourning is a Biblical command, and may allow for clarity in decisions for the future. These are not the only possibilities. Mow a neighbors yard. Hold a neighborhood BBQ and invite everyone. Pay for someone's groceries, or donate to your local food bank. Give your time to volunteer in a nursing home, or with a local community organization.

Make a commitment to work with the next generation in whatever way you will best be utilized. Then use this time to teach wisdom, discernment and above all love. Our world is terribly broken, but by helping the next generation to be better than us, we can change the world.

"Life affords no greater responsibility, no greater privilege, than the raising of the next generation." 
- C Everett Koop

Whatever decision you make, do these things in silence and remember why you are doing them. These actions are not for your reputation, or for notoriety. There are 49 people gone from this world. (Seriously pause reading to let that last sentence impact you). Those individuals will never see another sunset, hug a loved one, or be able to work for change in this world. Hundreds (at a minimum) are directly effected by the act of one man, and there will be ramifications that impact thousands.

Unite this country for love and support, NOT hate and alienation. Yes, changes need to be made! However, these changes need to come about with wisdom and not fear. These decisions also need to be realistic and effective, which is unlikely to come out of a knee jerk reaction before an investigation can be fully completed.

Whatever you do, do not do nothing. 

"Doing nothing for others is the undoing of ourselves." - Horace Mann