Orlando
This weeks events in Orlando have caught most people off guard. The terror and violence which occurred on June 12th is heart wrenching and sickening. I’ve been at odds with whether or not to write because I don’t like delve into political or social issues outside of my experiences. Experience can be our greatest teacher. The reason I feel compelled to say anything is because of where it happened. Orlando is an amazing place to live because of the community and people there. I also met my husband there so it holds a special place in my heart.
Unnecessary Violence
49 special people, some new to town and others patrons of the LBGT community, lost their lives having a good time. I’m sure they got ready to go out that evening not thinking their lives would be over between 2-5 am. I personally do not know them, but have read their stories. Travel agent, partners, moms, bouncer, a young high-school grad, accountant, Universal worker and I bet they all could dance. Each person went thinking the night would be fun and they would go home and get some rest that morning. Little did anyone know evil was lurking in their midst.
After watching the news I had to turn it off. Couldn’t take hearing from the President or other political candidates that this was not an act of terror. It is terror. Regardless of your status or demographics, this is violence. What was even more chilling and not surprising, the evil perpetrator committed domestic violence against his first wife. Anytime domestic violence happens that person can create more violent havoc towards other people.
Violence and terror doesn’t discriminate in terms of how it happens. People which enact violence have gone through some sort of trauma or religious indoctrination which give them a twisted mindset. In spit of this evil, we can turn the situation for good and comfort those who mourn the loss of their loved one. Take them food, listen, help them grieve and get them coffee from Drunken Monkey coffee shop.
Do What is Right, Love Mercy and Walk Humbly
This whole week Micah 6:8 has been on my mind again. It says ‘to do what is right, to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.’ Mercy is kindness or help given to people who are in a very bad or desperate situation. We are called as Christians and neighbors to do what is right and help others regardless of the situation. And we should be helping our neighbors even if this isn’t going on. It doesn’t matter what your neighbor looks like, what they do for a living, etc. We need to be the hands and feet of Jesus and walk humbly. I personally don’t have answers on how to stop terror, but I do know that if we really prayed (not just said we would) and gave to others this world could be a different place.
Pulse is 4 miles from where I used to live. Still can’t imagine the horror that happened on Sunday night and the sirens I would have heard in my bed. It breaks everyone’s heart that senseless murder is still possible due to deranged people. Truly hope the people affected during this time will feel nothing, but love and compassion. Hope America continues to show the world how the courageous people of Orlando will not back down in the face of terror. They can and will be the picture of love and compassion we all need to see during this crazy election year.