And this is where I experience the most heaviness. As a 19-year-old teenager was captured, my Facebook feed filled up with cries to make him suffer. To tear off his limbs, help him heal, and then kill him. To hang him from the highest post.
These comments frighten me. Of course I understand the anger. My sister, brother-in-law, and baby niece lived just blocks from the suspects. My Alma mater was evacuated because the suspect was a student there. Campus is still closed today. Meanwhile three others were brought in for questioning just 20 minutes from my home.
But what has become of us if we meet anger and violence with more anger and violence? What happens if we don't stop to consider why a 19 year old teenager-a United States citizen-would commit such a heinous act? What have we taught our children when we spew horrible, hateful things into the world in response to horrible, hateful actions?
Of course I want justice. Of course everyone responsible should be punished. But what will be left of us when the criminals are convicted and punished?
What will become of us? Who will we be?
Please stop the hateful rhetoric. Redirect your energy.
Be kind to your neighbors.
Hug your children and tell them you love them everyday.
Sing.
Practice random acts of kindness.
Stop texting and smile at strangers on the street.
Make art.
Get off Facebook and meet a friend for coffee in person.
Take a walk in nature.
Deliver a hot meal to a shut-in.
Do whatever positive act feels right to you.
Stop the violence.
Stop the hating.
Spread more light.
Our world needs you.
 |
| From Peter H. Reynolds |
If you agree, please help spread the word by sharing this post.
Well said, Michelle. I am one who often leans toward "hard justice" myself and certainly feel anger over the attack, but the call for harm or death on the suspects saddened and troubled me. As far as justice goes, there is much to learn in keeping a suspect alive, information that might prevent this nightmare from happening in another city at another time. I trust the justice system to handle his future. But I agree that the larger lesson is how we move forward as a community. I was at Fenway today and the spirit was amazing... good deeds, kind words, and happiness all around. Everyone was their neighbor's best friend. My biggest hope and wish right now is that it stays that way...
ReplyDeleteMark, Thanks for sharing your experience yesterday. I'm glad to know there was such kindness. I, too, hope it continues.
DeleteReaders, you can see Mark's post about his day at Fenway here: http://mark-mcnulty.blogspot.com/2013/04/lessons-from-nightmare-keep-kindness.html
Definitely well said. I loved the last part of your post with constructive ideas that help to counter the heaviness or sadness felt in the wake of events like those of this past week.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Katrina.
Delete