Friday, July 8, 2016

Another Tragedy...

I rarely speak of real life events on this blog beyond my family.

Way too many times the things heard on the news are tragedies, violence, and all to rarely pleasant.

This morning I awoke to police in Dallas being killed. This in a week when two men were killed by police.

None of us know what those two men were thinking before the police opened fire. We're they happy, sad, having a bad day? We're they frightened? Did they react on impulse? I'm sure they weren't perfect, as none of us are. But, they are our brothers, fathers, sons, and neighbors. If they reacted badly to some things they still had time to make things right. We all have the chance to ask for forgiveness.

The two police officers involved the shootings in MN and LA....we're they having a bad day? We're they dealing with problems at home or at work? We're they tired from staying up all night with a sick child? What made them react the way the did?

And last night....those police officers were protecting others' First Amendment rights. It sounds as if they were targeted.  What were they thinking before the shots rang out? I bet they were thinking about getting off work and going home. Dinner, spouse, children. We're they thinking about plans for this weekend?

And those who killed the officers...were they frightened? Obviously they were angry. Why?

Why are we still killing each other? This is the 21st Century.  Have we not evolved enough yet to value human life? All human life. So many want to say it's about the color of the skin. Bullshit...we all bleed red. We are all human.

We need to find a way to get along. We need to respect each other. We need to stop and take a breath before reacting.

I visualize God above looking down on us. He is shaking his head in disgust for the way we treat each other. We are all His children. He loves all of us like we love our children.

How do we teach our children to behave when confronted with anger? Do we have to sometimes yell "Stop!" to get their attention?

People are angry. We want respect. We want dignity. We want to be heard. And this is a 'we' issue not a 'they' issue.

I don't have the answers. I don't know where to find the answers. But, killing each other is NOT the answer.

Come on people let's collectively pull our heads from our rear ends and make this stop. It's time to be sick and tired of the violence and no longer tolerate it as an answer.

It's time to put down the weapons and talk. And listen! And react with respect and dignity towards each other. It's time for peace. It's time for unity. It's time to be adults instead of reacting with anger.

And let's address those who blame the weapons. A gun can sit in a box and not kill. It's the human who loads, points, and fires the gun. A knife can lay on a counter and not kill. It's a human who turns it into a weapon. Hands are not weapons until used in anger. A penis is an organ until it's used to rape. It becomes a weapon of control.

Anything can be used as a weapon. Sticks and stones. Hammer and nails. A voice used in anger, bullying, and gossip. All are weapons! It's how those things are used.

I hope I've not offended, upset, or angered you in voicing my opinion. My voice is not being used in anger or violence.

It's time for peace, hope, faith, and grace.

5 comments:

Maggee said...

Yes, it is sad... I, too, picture God looking at us all, but I see him crying for us! With us!

CalamityJr said...

Perfectly said. Wish everyone, not just your followers, could see your words and share. From your keyboard to God's ears!

Robin in Virginia said...

Denise, I read your entire post. I think it was well written and well presented. I continue to pray for our country.

Unknown said...

This is a wonderful post. Thank you for taking the time to write this and share.

gracie said...

Good post, great thoughts.