Today I write with a heavy heart. Today I listen to victims testimonies of the horrific attack that took place a few days ago. Today more then any other day so far I am hit with unbelief that someone could be filled with so much hate. Today more then ever, I am afraid for my son to grow up in a world where this type of hate and violence exists. Today I pray not only for the victims and their families, but for the attackers family as well. Today I pray that I am able to teach my son how to love and accept people for who they are.
As a mother nothing scares me more then my son having to grow up in a world where he may be a target because of who he is. Seeing others being bullied, discriminated against, or even harmed for being themselves is unfortunately more of a reality then I would ever hope to witness. In times like these I ask myself, what are we doing as a community to ensure these acts don’t happen again? What are we teaching our children so they never have to relive horrific events as this? The only word that comes to mind is ACCEPTANCE. I want my son to grow up in a world where he doesn’t see race or sexuality, I want him to see a person.
Acceptance does not mean agreeing with others lifestyles or choices, but agreeing to disagree and care for the person they are. Looking beyond the clothing, color of ones skin, or choice in partner. What are we doing as a community to make sure our children don’t target others? Now is not the time to point fingers at a religious group or gun control laws and political figures, but instead to correct ourselves and how we are teaching the next generation.
I could not be more proud of how Orlando has come together to help everyone. The lines going for miles to donate blood, friends driving around with care packages to those waiting in lines, free food deliveries, money raised for the victims, and free counseling services to those in need. I am proud the community was able to come together instead of breaking in hurt and anger. We are #OrlandoStrong and #OnePulse.
All of us were some how affected by the largest mass shooting in modern American history. Today I pray for our country and for God to give us the strength to realize these were not just members of a smaller community, but mothers, fathers, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters whose lives were taken too soon. Today I pray that I make a difference.