Every thought in relation to these types of occurrences is filled with sorrow, anger, and frustration as to why these things seem to be happening at an all too frequent rate in our society. What is also disturbing is that it seems to be a trend coming from younger people.
The first question then, should be, what is happening to our young people? What is lacking so badly in their lives that causes them so much despair, which so often turns to the emotion of desperation. These massacres are coming from a group of people who live with such an emptiness in their souls that the only way out that is rationalized by their negatively infiltrated minds is through absolute and drastic measures. They have a lack of respect for the value of life.
In my humble opinion, it almost feels like there is an up and coming generation gap somewhere along the way that we all just failed to recognize was even there. It seems like we have failed to prioritize teaching the value of life to everyone. In our minds, we say, “Oh, that’s their parents’ job,” or “They should learn that at church,” or, “Kids don’t really care about that,” or, “The school is no place for that kind of instruction. We don’t want to offend anyone,” or, “They should know that by now, its common sense!” If any of those statements are true, we ALL are just passing the buck. We all are not taking accountability for the fact that this is happening in towns near and far, small and wide. How can stressing the importance of the value of life to anyone ever be considered offensive? How can it be offensive to tell those that are in need to hear, “I care about your life, so should you.” What I feel is missing in the lives of these people is a lack of lasting love in their lives. That kind of love can be provided if they, one, participate and experience for themselves in helping and caring for other individuals, and two, learn about the principles of the Lord, Jesus Christ.
During His short ministry here on Earth, Jesus provided great examples of how to live to have our lives enriched, not by the physical rewards of mortality (money, fame, etc), but through knowing that we can actively participate in achieving our eternal rewards during our lives (acts of kindness, etc). To everyone He came across, no matter the state that He found them in, He always reminded them that they were children of our Heavenly Father and that each of them had a purpose, to learn and to live righteously in order to return to Him in the Kingdom of Heaven. Jesus always shared His love for each of them, as He knew and remembered who they were in the pre-mortal realm. He judged them not, and He did not walk in fear at the thought of those who would mock and persecute Him.
So what else can we do to help?
First, realize that just one person can truly make a difference. The size of the difference is irrelevant. Cause and effect is a law of the universe. Then, start with taking a look inward. Review and reflect upon all of the times in our lives where we’ve felt the most despair. How did we feel? Who helped us out? What did they do? How did it impact us? Take those answers and refine them to reflect the people we are at this very moment. What would we change knowing what we know now and why? After that is said and done, accept that it all happened the way that it did, and if necessary, forgive anything that was lacking. Acceptance and forgiveness of these things will provide us with the deliverance necessary from those things so that we can get over being self absorbed and become more truly aware of the needs of others.
Secondly, once you are ready, turn outward into the world and visualize realistic areas that you could make the most difference, and would have the most effect. But limit any expectations. Start with something small, like your own family, and network out from there. Surely, someone is familiar with someone else who seems down, or may need help. Charging into an unknown situation would probably be unwise, so it is best to follow the wisdom of getting into the water one toe at a time. Test the waters, and diagnose what is needed. Remember that subtlety seems to be the least intrusive way to show someone you care. Simply providing even a reassurance that you will always be a word of encouragement and a hand of assistance can help inspire even the most down-trodden. There may be those who are in need of much more hands-on help, but if you are not skilled in that arena, find someone who is.
When tragedies like this happen, of course, we tend to ask, “Why?” But, if no sufficient explanation can be discovered and it doesn’t make any sense, the next statement should be, “Let’s do all we can to prevent this from happening again.” Turning to the example of the Savior and His service to others helps us to share the hope and feeling that all is not lost, to those who have directly been impacted by the massacre at Omaha, and other recent locations, and those others who want to know what they can do to help.
And behold, I tell you these things that ye may learn wisdom; that ye may learn that when ye are in the service of your fellow beings ye are only in the service of your God. (Mosiah 2:17)
