My husband and I stayed up late last night watching the news unfold in Dallas on a livestream online. And our hearts are heavy over all of the events of this past week. So heavy.
It feels like there’s nothing we can do. And yet, I woke up this morning realizing that there IS something we can do.
We can choose to be peacemakers. Right where we are.
Who will join me? We might not be able to change the world at large, but we can make a difference in our little piece of it.
Instead of holding grudges and dwelling on the negativity, let’s reach out with open arms of compassion to ALL whom we come in contact with today.
Let’s choose love, forgiveness, and kindness. The world is in great need of this… and it doesn’t cost us a penny to give it. But it just might radically change someone’s life — including our own!
P.S. I encourage you to read this post by Jen Hatmaker and also watch my periscope video from this morning.
Such a great reminder Crystal! As Christians we are supposed to be share ‘the light of the world’. In circumstances such as these I believe that we are to react differently to the rest of the world. Instead of reacting with anger and violence and hate, I believe that we are supposed to react with kindness, gentleness and love. This can be so difficult, but I believe that it is so important! We are not to take sides, rather we are called to love all people!
I am a resident of the Dallas area who stayed up watching these events unfold.. it was horrifying to know this had hit our city. This morning I cried like a baby at the prayer service held at Thanksgiving Square which was interfaith. It was a beautiful service with hundreds from the downtown area in attendance.
As a mom of a young boy, I cried not only for the physical nature of this tragedy but what all of this super charged atmosphere has been doing to our country. What sort of culture am I raising my son in and how can I teach him the important lessons, those of not seeing color, race, religion, etc… in others but simply another human being with a heart, a family, and a reason for living.
I feel like the time is nearing where God will say “ENOUGH already”!
Yes, God is going to say enough is enough. 1 Timothy 3:1-5 describes the attitude of many today, and Jesus’s words about the last days are also being fulfilled.
Carrie meant 2 Timothy 3:1-5 (whole chapter is good). For those who may need some encouragement in these tough times, I really appreciated reading this today: http://www.desiringgod.org/articles/what-to-do-if-you-wake-up-feeling-fragile
@M – Yes I did mean *2* Timothy 3:1-5, thanks for catching that and correcting it! 🙂
No matter what we hear from the news media, I think we are all supposed to draw near to God and be peacemakers. I do not believe everything that comes from the news media. I used to study radio, tv, and film and I recently studied social science. There have been many times when they tell lies or create cover up stories in the news media. We do need to pray for those who do work in law enforcement and their families, our communities, and especially those who are living in darkness. We are all broken and need Jesus. Politicians, celebrities, gang members, and the outcasts of society all need to know God’s amazing grace.
Thank you for this post, Crystal. I’ve also been feeling helpless today, and your words inspire me to do something positive to help counteract the ugliness. I’m going to make a commitment to increase the time I spend volunteering in my community. And, yes, I’ll certainly send up extra prayers for police officers and their families.
As a Canadian neighbor and friend to America I send along prayers for peace and understanding. Whether directly or indirectly we are all affected by such events and should strive to show kindness in our own neighborhoods and communities. Sometimes small gestures can speak loudly.
I love this column and feel exactly the same as you. I refuse to believe the worst about others and I’m determined to bring light and happiness to those I come in contact with. So glad to find others who feel the same way.
Yes, Let’s show unconditional love! Is there no greater gift? 😀
May I also encourage you to thank a police officer for serving to protect you and your country the next time you see one. They dedicate their lives to protect us in one of the lowest paid occupations. They put on their uniforms each day accepting the role to protect,quite possibly at the risk of losing their lives. Spouses and family members also have to accept this. Their work hours are typically long and strenuous and exhausting. They sacrifice a lot of personal and family time for the sake of enforcing laws and protecting us. It’s a tough position. One I could never do. Thank an officer. Offer to buy him/her a meal. Smile. Cook a meal for their family.
I know many Americans thank military service people. My family does so and I think it’s great and totally deserved. Perhaps we can do the same with police officers?
YES! I love this. Thank you so much for sharing!
Thank you for reminding me to be extra kind to police officers. I did shake hands with police officers recently and I did say thank you to one of them. As for cooking a meal for a family of an officer, I think that is something I can do.
I always thank them. They saved my life years ago.
My husband is a DPD officer (who was NOT directly involved last night) and can I please say that another thing you can do is NOT barrage the families with questions right now? ALL I have done today is field calls, emails, texts and Facebook messages from well-meaning acquaintances. Not to mention the strangers actually knocking on our door at home and scaring my children with “is everything okay” questions.
The outpouring is kind and the love is felt, but it’s at the point where it is beyond overwhelming that it has become destructive and intrusive. As hard as it’s been for us, I can’t imagine how it is for the families directly involved that aren’t being allowed the peace to grieve.
Sometimes you just have to step back and send nothing but prayers.
Thank you so much for sharing this perspective. Is there any advice that you’d have for what people *can* do that would encourage, bless, and serve your family right now? I think that would be very insightful to hear.
I’d just say that if you don’t know the family (well!) personally, just pray. Bringing food to police stations in the coming weeks is always appreciated by the officers too, especially since many are having to pull longer shifts right now.
And I really truly do not want to sound ungrateful! I know the love is there, it’s just a lot to take in all at once.
That’s very helpful! Thank you so much for sharing! And I just stopped and prayed for you and your family.
K, you are very brave to put this ‘out there’ and I admire that courage! Praying for your family right now, and your suggestions of food donations is a great one.
I agree. That’s one of the best things we can do. Just start where we are and see if we can positively make a difference in the lives of those around us. The little things are big things.
Interesting thoughts. It is tough. I’ve decided on a news fast. I just don’t want to know anything right now.
On another note, I am kind to others. I try to remember that they may have lived through something horrific before I see them, and there may be good reason for them to be sad or angry.
However, my biggest grudges are held against myself. I can forgive most anyone else, but I cannot let go of my mistakes at times.
Thanks for the positive thoughts. The perspective helps.
“I try to remember that they may have lived through something horrific before I see them, and there may be good reason for them to be sad or angry.”
That’s such a good word to remember!