It's happened again folks. Another mass shooting right here in the good old US of A. I'm not going to address the particulars here. No stats or figures coming out this time. I'd like to discuss this from a slightly different perspective.
I have been following the chatter on social media all day. The following statement (or variations of it, anyway) has been a recurring theme. The idea is that no amount of thoughts nor prayer is going to change what happened, or stop this type of tragedy from reoccurring. What is required is action, not words.
This is undeniably true. Yet, it is also a bit short sighted as I believe that thoughts and prayers have their place. Especially now.
First of all, we must think about what's happening here. Knee jerk reactions won't solve anything, and the answers we seek can only come from much deliberation about our laws and our society as a whole. Difficult conversations have to happen and true, meaningful, lasting action can only happen after we look this problem (and each other) square in the eye and deal with it.
But you knew that already. So let's shift our focus to prayer.
If you pray, do so. It's okay to pray. Lift this problem up before your God and pray, pray, pray. But let me ask you this:
What are you praying for?
Look, it's all fine and well to pray for the victims of this attack, the survivors and their families. We should pray for their safety, health, well being, and that God may bring His peace to them. We should also pray the same for the first responders, witness, and all affected.
But that's not enough. I will be praying for more. This is my prayer.
I shall pray:
-For a turning of the hearts and minds of those who would do harm to others.
-For real, common sense solutions that do not completely destroy constitutional rights, but help maintain the safety of all Americans.
-For a government that will no longer be beholden to special interests.
-For an awakening to the problems and dangers of mental illness, and compassionate, helpful solutions to those problems,
-For a culture and government that no longer values gun ownership and 2nd Amendment rights over the lives of citizens.
-For an end to terrorism, not only abroad, but also and especially home grown.
-For God to show his mercy to us all.
That is my prayer.
Now ask yourself: What are you praying for?
Monday, October 2, 2017
Tuesday, February 7, 2017
Shake It, People!
A handshake is supposed to mean something.
The simple gesture of grasping hands and making a brief up and down movement is multi-layered and can be quite significant. Whether it is used as a greeting or parting gesture, to give congratulations or encouragement, or to form an agreement, there is meaning in this gesture that goes beyond a mere formality.
A handshake is used to show trust, respect, and equality. It is also used as a sort of promise, that by the giving of this handshake a person is giving his or her word. It is an honorable and a noble thing. Unless, of course, it is given by a politician during campaign season, in which case it is nothing more than a photo-op or a money grab. But let's stick with the real, pure, noble handshake that happens between real people.
Or, at least, the ones that used to happen. Have you noticed that the use of the handshake has diminished over the years? I wonder why that is. I suppose that politicians and unscrupulous business professionals have weakened the handshake's appeal and integrity a bit. And the fist bump has taken its place in casual situations. I guess we have just come to view the handshake as more of an empty ritual than a way to connect with our fellow human beings.
Well, not me. I still believe that if a person shakes on a deal, then that deal is good. I mean, sure, I'll get it in writing-I'm not stupid-but the handshake puts a personal seal on it all. I know that in my own business dealings a handshake makes people feel better about the transaction and both people feel better afterwards. I have seen this first hand. So to speak.
I also feel that the handshake upon first meeting someone puts you on equal ground psychologically. I believe that I can use it to show respect towards another. That one small touch and a look in the eye conveys quite a bit about your character and honesty, and it shows that you care about the other person and the situation you are both in. It is a simple yet powerful human connection that we seem to be losing in this modern world.
It's hard to communicate these days. It seems that we are all so divided by so many different things from our politics to our religion, race, and creed. Everyone is so convinced they are right about everything and ready to shut down the opposition before there is even a chance for debate. I am just as guilty as anyone else in this. We all see our world getting crazier by the day and it seems that there's nothing we can do to make it better.
But there is something we can do, Something small, but meaningful. Shake a hand. That's it. Just shake a hand. Okay, so it won't solve any problems, but it can provide a quick connection and a level playing field, at least as a start. And that's what we need. A place to start.
So I'm doing it. I'm starting. I am going to make a conscious effort that whenever the situation is appropriate and it is applicable I am going to shake every hand. Who knows? It might just do a little bit of good and right now we need all the good we can get.
There you have it. That's my new initiative. "Shake Every Hand." Wanna join me? Cool. Let's shake on it.
The simple gesture of grasping hands and making a brief up and down movement is multi-layered and can be quite significant. Whether it is used as a greeting or parting gesture, to give congratulations or encouragement, or to form an agreement, there is meaning in this gesture that goes beyond a mere formality.
A handshake is used to show trust, respect, and equality. It is also used as a sort of promise, that by the giving of this handshake a person is giving his or her word. It is an honorable and a noble thing. Unless, of course, it is given by a politician during campaign season, in which case it is nothing more than a photo-op or a money grab. But let's stick with the real, pure, noble handshake that happens between real people.
Or, at least, the ones that used to happen. Have you noticed that the use of the handshake has diminished over the years? I wonder why that is. I suppose that politicians and unscrupulous business professionals have weakened the handshake's appeal and integrity a bit. And the fist bump has taken its place in casual situations. I guess we have just come to view the handshake as more of an empty ritual than a way to connect with our fellow human beings.
Well, not me. I still believe that if a person shakes on a deal, then that deal is good. I mean, sure, I'll get it in writing-I'm not stupid-but the handshake puts a personal seal on it all. I know that in my own business dealings a handshake makes people feel better about the transaction and both people feel better afterwards. I have seen this first hand. So to speak.
I also feel that the handshake upon first meeting someone puts you on equal ground psychologically. I believe that I can use it to show respect towards another. That one small touch and a look in the eye conveys quite a bit about your character and honesty, and it shows that you care about the other person and the situation you are both in. It is a simple yet powerful human connection that we seem to be losing in this modern world.
It's hard to communicate these days. It seems that we are all so divided by so many different things from our politics to our religion, race, and creed. Everyone is so convinced they are right about everything and ready to shut down the opposition before there is even a chance for debate. I am just as guilty as anyone else in this. We all see our world getting crazier by the day and it seems that there's nothing we can do to make it better.
But there is something we can do, Something small, but meaningful. Shake a hand. That's it. Just shake a hand. Okay, so it won't solve any problems, but it can provide a quick connection and a level playing field, at least as a start. And that's what we need. A place to start.
So I'm doing it. I'm starting. I am going to make a conscious effort that whenever the situation is appropriate and it is applicable I am going to shake every hand. Who knows? It might just do a little bit of good and right now we need all the good we can get.
There you have it. That's my new initiative. "Shake Every Hand." Wanna join me? Cool. Let's shake on it.
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