American Summer 2016
How do we make sense of the senseless?
Beheadings and car bombs on the other side of the world.
Civilian “soft targets,” from Paris to Brussels to Istanbul, suicide bombed by “martyrs” in the name of their God.
A slaughter in an Orlando nightclub.
Over 2,000 gun deaths in Chicago this year.
Cell phone video of highly questionable shootings of African Americans.
And now, the ambush and assassination of Dallas Police officers during an otherwise peaceful protest.
Ironically, this most recent national tragedy occurred very close to Dealey Plaza, the site of America’s most notorious assassination.
How do we make sense of the senseless?
We cannot.
But there are things we can do.
We can affect our own individual spheres of influence.
Our family, friends, neighbors and communities.
It starts small. It starts organically. It starts with you. And it grows.
We can choose reason over insanity.
We can choose light over darkness.
We can choose love over fear.
We can increase the peace.
In our communities, in our state, in our nation, in our world.
The good people in this world vastly outnumber the misguided, vicious ones.
I am convinced that in the end, love wins.
We just need to consciously, actively intend the light and the love a little more.
I hate to get political, but it certainly doesn’t help when a presidential candidate openly endorses hate, violence, racism, and religious intolerance. He is legitimizing such despicable behavior, and it is sad that he enjoys any support at all, much less the candidacy for the highest office in the land.
Rick,
Thanks for your perspective. I agree that Presidential politics has become as ugly as I can remember in my lifetime.
I wish we had a leader who spoke of compassion, peace and love.
Guess it’s not going to happen this year.
Thanks for taking the time to read and comment.
Chris
Chris, yet another powerful piece! I am so happy to see that you are spreading the kindness, love, compassion and forgiveness of our dear friend Father Eddie Bernal. He would have loved seeing the work you are doing—I am going to spend quality time reading your inspired thoughts. And another “Happy Birthday” for tomorrow—Karen!
Karen, I am humbled and inspired by your kind words. You are a San Antonio treasure and a Light for the world. Keep uplifting us all with your heartfelt wisdom. We need your perspective. Your work with Father Eddie was brilliant, profound and fun. Whatever platform you choose, I look forward to enjoying more of your magic.