~~I don't always know the right thing to do in a situation. So, when I'm stuck I ask myself, "What is the most loving thing I can do at this moment?" And that's what I do.~~ Katrina Mayer
I've been thinking about /blogs/Thomas3.20.2010-blog/2019/08/08/when-does-it-stop I've been thinking about the hatred and the deaths and the separations and the fear and the hurt and the anger. Yes, all of this affects our quits in one way or another. I mean, don't you just want to run and hide from it all? I used to be so very good at hiding behind my smoke cloud. No one would bother me there...they didn't like the smoke.
But now? Oh, my gosh, my heart hurts. With every story. With every event. With every hateful word. With every broken heart. And it cuts so close to me here at home. My Hispanic children at church who pray for the safety of their families. My own family who has been torn apart by opposing political stances.
I think about my son who is now a senior. He would without hesitation attempt to shield his friends if there was a shooting at school. You can't help but pray each and every day for the safety of children everywhere.
And so, I really do ask myself, "What is the most loving thing I can do at this moment?" Sometimes it is self-care because I'm not functioning at my best if I am tired or hungry. Sometimes it is an act of kindness for someone else...an unexpected gift for someone at the local nursing home....sending pizzas to the local police department....donating to a classroom. Sometimes it is speaking my mind and standing up for those who can't stand for themselves.
And sometimes...sometimes...it is crying. For the lives lost. For the terror they faced. For the families they left behind. I just cry.
I don't smoke and don't even think about smoking anymore. Life, even the most horrible parts are life, are meant to be faced rather than run from. Because we matter and life matters and we are in it for a purpose. Addiction masks emotions and allows the addict to bury the pain of living. Some addicts just don't care, others only care from a distance.
I choose to care up close and personal. Even when it hurts the most.
This is not about politics. It's not about 2nd Amendment rights. It's not about conservatives vs. liberals. This is about remembering we are all humans and deserving of love and acceptance. No one is better than anyone else.
~~There but for the grace of God, go I.~~ John Bradford
Thomas, I hope this helps even just a little.
Much love to all,
Sheri
