A lot has been said over the past few days as we’ve all reeled in shock from the tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Part of me thinks, how can I possibly imagine that words have any meaning at all in the face of something so incomprehensible. But the other part of me, as always whenever I try to process an experience, instinctively seeks out comforting words to both read and write. Here are a few of the words that have helped me over the past few days.
1. “26 Moments That Restored Our Faith In Humanity”
2. “Response to Connecticut: A Prayer, A Plea” by Rachelle Mee-Chapman of Magpie Girl.
There is something that happens when we mourn together. When we are angry together, When we hope together. It is powerful, this unity of emotion. Spiritually powerful. Psychologically Powerful. Energetically Powerful.
Don’t drift away from it. Don’t dumb it down with the shadow comforts of entertainment and busy-ness. When you feel the pain, the anger, the sorrow –notice it. Own it. Name it. “Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”
And when your mind/body/spirit says “Enough”—when it numbs your emotions, when it rocks you to sleep—let it do that as well. Turn off the television. Turn down the radio. Close your browser, and rest. You will wake another day with holy tasks at hand–intuitively sourced instructions to weep, to write, to comfort, to protest, to wail, to change.
3. “Keep Telling The Story Of Love” by Amy Oscar.
What would I tell my children today? Just what I told them then: I love you.
I would love my children with everything I had.
I would love the world, too, right in front of them, heart wide open. I would live as an example of love – so that they would know how to live that way. I would do this in honor of the children who would never have the chance they had. I would live, I would love, for them, too.
As I did, I would remember that life is mostly good and though there are these brief pockets of darkness and sometimes, terrible sadness, no matter what happens – from war to flood to fire to the outrageous inexplicable loss of 20 little lives – the world has always been, and always will be, a story which is mostly about love.
4. This quote by Andy Smallman, Director of Puget Sound Community School:
“I believe that inside of each of us is a
place. Nurture it first in yourself, then nurture
it with those close to you. That is the best
response to senseless acts of violence.”
Thank you for honoring my post inside of yours. I’m so touched by all the beautiful and thoughtful puzzle pieces you’ve drawn together here. you are a blessing.
Thank you for sharing this questioning, raging, healing, compassionate journey together.