Our reliance on social media as a means of communication is equally comforting (we’re connected to EVERYONE!) and detrimental (we’re connecting with NO ONE!). Based on the Tweets and Facebook posts I saw today, I’ll cut right to it: we need to get back to some physical and emotional connection with one another.
1.It is not the time for the gun law discussion. It’s not right tomorrow, either. Or the next day. Why? Because Capitol Hill doesn’t work on the weekend. Whether you stand for the right to own an assault weapon or whether you are against weapons entirely, your voice should be heard where it can take action: write to your congressmen.
2.Stop questioning “what’s wrong with this world?” and think about what makes it RIGHT. I’m raising an amazing kid (I’ll bet you are, too, or know someone who is making amazing persons). He’s going to go out into the world and make CHANGE, I just know it. We live in a beautiful country. Find a little piece of it that you love and savor it. Goodness exists in many. Tiny miracles occur every day. There is no good way to explain why tragedies occur–they just do and we can’t prevent it. Counteract evil with positivity.
3. “I’m going to hug my babies extra tight tonight.” I will, too, absolutely. But what would make a bigger difference is to spread a little love around to someone else. That “asshole” that cut in front of you on your drive home? Let it go. The long line at the post office? Grin and bear it. That jerky teenager who was so obnoxious to you in the mall? Smile. Laugh. Think about why this kid might be acting like a jerk. We have yet to know much about the Newtown shooter, Adam Lanza, but I’ll bet money on the idea that he needed some positive attention.
It’s so easy to place blame elsewhere: on laws, on the media, on schools, on mental illness, on policy, on parents, on New Jersey (It’s bound to happen, friends). But will we solve anything by Tweeting it? Will we eliminate violence through Facebook? If anything, today’s social media discussions incited EVEN MORE tension and conflict. I ask you to take a step towards peace, briskly and with intention. Actions speak louder than words.
Very well said. Today the nation grieves with the families of Newtown.
Thanks, Jennifer.
Absolutely! This time of year, emotions run especially high. Those hugs, those positive connections make all the all the difference.
Thanks for your comments. 🙂