Monday, October 2, 2017

What Do We Say? What Do We Do?

Weeping may endure for the night, but joy comes in the morning. Psalm 30:5

We used to turn on the television news first thing when we got up. But lately we have not done that every day. Because I had not watched in several days, I decided I should see what was going on this morning. I flipped on the TV while I was making coffee. You can imagine my horror and sorrow at what I saw before 7:00 AM. Breaking news coverage of the shooting in Las Vegas.

It was hard to stop watching the tragedy unfold. Then I realized I needed to turn it off and go find something else to do. Do laundry. Clean. Pull weeds. Do something. Do anything. But not stay glued to the news.

This afternoon I read these words from a pastor friend. She offers a positive, helpful way to deal with a horrific situation. I thank her for these words that are both positive and practical:
Some thoughts for today: 
  • Watch only enough media to be informed.
  • Pray for the living and the dead, first responders, medical teams, and caregivers.
  • Reach out in a way that brings peace to someone you come in contact with today.
  • Ask (and answer) the question, "How can I help build bridges of hope?"
  • Find a moment of beauty and thank God for that gift.
 









8 comments:

  1. Great practical suggestions. Thanks for sharing.

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  2. Kathy, my friend is as wise as she is beautiful.

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  3. It is true, isn't it? We can make a positive difference some how.

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  4. goodnightgram, Yes, we can't fix the world but we can make our little spot on the earth a kinder place to be.

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  5. News can be so toxic yet we need to be informed. It's like walking a tightrope over Alice's rabbit hole. We can only process so much without becoming anesthetized. Such thoughtful advice is much appreciated.

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  6. Yes. When news is 24/7 is is overwhelming. When I watch too much, it makes me feel bad physically, which helps not one person.

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  7. Hello to you! I have given up on the news, though I sometimes read briefly on-line. The focus on negative takes a toll. Your pastor friend had wonderful ideas of how we can find and give solace in today's world. (And now I must read your next post about wine cake!)

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  8. Hi, Barb! So good to hear from you again. Thankfully, for the last couple of days I've read much more about kindness than I have about tragedy. I know that the bad news should not be ignored, because we need to be aware. But I also have learned that a steady diet of it is toxic.

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Hi, y'all! I love that you've taken time to tell me something here. Makes me feel like we're neighbors.