This fog of fear

Today's headlines : deadliest mass shooting in U.S. History. This statement alone makes it clear we have a history filled with shooting deaths and violence.

I have shot a gun (ok, a rifle) exactly once in my life. I was doing it for a boy who wanted to share that part of his life with me. I was utterly unimpressed by the entire experience. What was the point? I could think of so many other powerful things in this world - man made or God given, that provide more thrill. But about the power part.... 

Almost nine years ago I became a parent. 

A PARENT. 

Every choice I make, every conversation and interaction I have with my offspring is, in my estimation, the MOST POWERFUL thing I possess. My child has this whole big wide world to take on and learn about. Every reaction I have, every laugh, every tearI shed makes  up a major portion of how she will view the world. 

This world is a foggy place. Between all the gunsmoke, opinions and yelling out there - how do we even see our loved ones clearly, let alone the world at large? And if we are having any kind of trouble seeing the world clearly - is the world even remotely seeing us clearly either? If I'm not being seen or heard will I feel comfortable? No, probably not. If I'm not loved, will I be able to love others? No, probably not. If there is no love, what do you have left? Fear. Fear and confusion. I don't know about you, but there's no two emotions I'd rather feel LESS than fear or confusion. 

So with the power vested in me by the Good Lord upon blessing me with my child - tonight before bed I explained to her what happened in Orlando. And I talked to her about how many children have died this year alone from gun violence. And my sweet, 8 years young child - she contributed her own thoughts about how she thinks only really healthy people who should be trained to hunt for food could have guns - and the government should be able to make programs for only those things. 

This is only the tip of the iceberg folks. 

Bottom line - Knowlege is Power. Ignorance begets Fear. 

Don't allow ignorance to grow. 

With the power of our collective Knowlege, action can come and the fog can clear. 

Day by day, Use your powers for Love.