The Unimaginable Massacre

When I think of the unimaginable tyrant massacre that took place in Orlando, Florida 100s of emotions pass through my mind. Its easy to become enraged, angry, sad and disgusted that someone could destroy lives.

In the Orlando shooting a shooter pledged ISIS allegiance before he went into a gay nightclub and broke records of the deadliest mass shooting in the United States history and the nations worst terror attack since 9/11. Omar Mateen was 29 years old and interviewed by the FBI in 2013 and 2014 but wasn’t found to be a threat.

The man walks into a gay bar at 2 a.m. and opens fire killing 50 and injuring 50+ others. I think of the 50 lives that were stolen from the earth. He was shot and killed on the scene after a 3 hour standoff. The victims don’t get to taste the beauty of their future and their families and loved ones will never hear their laugh again.

It wouldn’t matter if these victims were straight or gay, men or women, democrat or republican, Hilary or Trump supporters, because they were Americans, they were brothers, friends, sons, fathers, cousins, entrepreneurs, students and many other titles… They were people that could have had life. People with a sound, a distinction in their voice, an opinion, a brilliant mind, people with potential and people with a heart for others.

How do we face a psychotic enemy but not allow them to change us? How do we mourn our loved ones and still pity the broken people committing these horrible acts of violence? How do we execute judgment yet still pioneer peace? These are difficult questions.

Here are a few things I have learned to do in times of loss, pain, sorrow and suffering. 

1. Don’t allow anything to separate our love and unity we have for each other.

Disaster, pain and attacks will come but we must remain strong. It’s then that we can rise from the ashes and move forward to a better future world and tomorrow. Often hate groups and crimes are done to put fear and reaction into people. To turn people against each other. To view at others as less than and its EASY in moments like these to turn to HATE and anger the same energy that created the disaster. It’s difficult to turn to love and compassion and be sorrowful that the one committing the act of hate and murder was never given a life of love.

Often we see arguments and people turn against each others so easily. I posted something recently that was beautiful and full of life and arguments broke out under it. Why is it that all we care about is our opinion and ideas. Why do we allow evil to penetrate the heart of a nation that says yes to higher standards, morals and values. Don’t allow anyone or anything to take away from the value of unity and love. We will NEVER see eye to eye on presidential candidates, religious ideals, gun safety laws, and the list never ENDS but we can see eye to eye on many other things. Lets build conversation and relationship around what we see eye to eye on and not allow disagreements or differences to tear us apart.

2. Love and hold those closest to you

In times like these i’m moved and inspired by those closest to me. I imagined if this was a brother or sister of mine that I had lost. It makes me grateful for the time that i’ve been given and the people that I have in my life. For you, instead of turning your energy towards those you will never meet, see or encounter, why not turn them towards your loved ones. Appreciate them more and serve them more. Tell them how much you love them and how grateful you are that their in your life.

3. Discover who you are by what you say

Most often when disaster hits we go fight or flight. Our hearts are revealed by what our words say. Do we allow hate to promote hate within us? Do we allow hate to promote a lifetime of sadness and pain? Do we allow hate to promote unity and love? We can learn a lot about ourselves when something doesnt go to plan, when pain enters and a trial comes our way. I would say during this time to watch and listen to what you say and hear what in your heart? Be aware of what you words reveal about those who even cause an injustice.

I do believe there is a price to pay and battles must be fought and lives must be lost and taken to see freedom in this world but I also believe that our values hold us to still see humanity as humanity and no life taken is a laughing matter. We cannot allow the tyrant acts of the few to turn us into tyrants. We must promote a higher level of love for humanity.

I look forward to the day that barbaric thinking and destructive idea would be universally and cross culturally dismantled. Is it possible? I hope so but I do not know if it is close. People are murdered and killed everyday unjustly. We can only dream and wish and build to a future more bright and beautiful. This kind of world doesn’t create itself but requires leaders, people and nations to come together on common ground to build a better world.

Remember each day is a blessing. Your never promised tomorrow or the security and safety of today. So live well and love well.

Share and promote life, a better tomorrow and unity in our nation.