When these horrible crimes
take place (Orlando, et al.), we immediately start talking about gun control,
safety for children, terrorism (should that have been first?), legislation,
protesting, and contacting our (fill in the blank) in Washington, DC.
That typically evokes a
response from the other side and then we are off to the races: arguments,
anger, pleading, and my political party is better than yours - in fact, “we”
are better than “you,” ad nauseam.
There is something else.
This is not a sermon. It's a reminder.
Ask yourself, quietly, alone
in your room, when it's easier to think of God: "What are we
missing?" "What can I do - since I'm not the one committing the
crimes and I have no real political power?" If you start with what
God starts with, there is the forgiveness but also standing for justice.
For the most part, we seem to fall in to two camps: the
"lovers" and the "legalists."
"Lovers" will
forgive anything, overlook even wrong-doing for fear of seeming to lack in
mercy, or that calling something wrong is "judging" - or a misguided
thinking that nothing is really "wrong" (that is becoming more
prevalent in our society).
"Legalists" have a
list of sins and crimes and can tell you everything that is wrong but without
the mercy and kindness we are told to have by God (in all our holy books).
Our only list should include
segments of both but not extremely one to the exclusion of the other.
There IS wrong, sin, evil.
If we deny it, we give it more power. Those of us who would never commit such
crimes can't be passive. I don't mean take action like these shooters do. Doing evil will never defeat evil. I
mean try to prevent it (to the best of our ability).
(That brings to mind a whole
other theme: "but I'm doing the best I can." No. We are not. But that
theme has to wait its turn.)
Even those who don't claim a religion can be ethical and
humane. Some excel at one without the other.
We all have a moral compass.
Really, we do. If we haven't thought about it enough lately, we might have to
put forth extraordinary effort to get back in touch with it. But it's there, at
your very core, where no one but God touches, sees, or hears.
Going forward with that in
the balance changes our world view. It will change how we approach the very
necessary actions like legislation or work in our community to protect
everyone, especially - but not only - children.
A moral compass means I
shall not judge you but I will not endorse wrong-doing. I will not harm you
because doing evil will never defeat evil.
A moral compass means I will make every effort I can, what I am
honestly able to do to help others in a way that might change things *just* a
little.
That “just a little” is all
we have as individuals.
Those of us who believe in God know that all power really comes
only from Him but if I don’t do my little bit, I’m wrong.
Some online comments have diminished the phrase “thoughts and
prayers” but I think they are wrong. It could be an automatic response that has
little meaning but I know I mean it when I say it, so surely others do, too.
What else can we say online?
OFFline, we have to do more. I’m in tears as I start to type these
words: I honestly will keep people in my thoughts and prayers. It is part of
our connection. I also will do what I can to influence others in my small
sphere. We can hope the ripple effect will cause change – even a little – in others.
With God’s help, it’s what we can do.
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