Dear God;
I don't get it. America was just starting to heal from the Boston tragedies. In the last month following that awful day there have been continued tragedies and violence, yes, but none of us were ready for the tornado that ripped through Oklahoma today. Oklahoma A state I don't know much about, but I find myself crying for the people who are grieving there tonight. This is a loss they have never known, a loss the rest of us will-never understand. Of the 50 people that have died so far, 20 are children. Those poor babies.
Why?
Why do we have to suffer from such tragedies? I know you are here, God. I know you do not abandon us and that right now you are healing people and igniting hope and comfort into their hearts. But why do we have to even endure these things in the first place. I am not blaming you I just wish that we could put a stop to things like this.
Those of us not in Oklahoma will go about our lives tomorrow, because really, what other choice do we have? But it feels wrong to me. I wish that when something like this happened, there was a way for all of us to be pulled from our lives and help, right there, on site. I wish with a snap of our fingers, it would all go away. Things would be rebuilt, people back in their homes. Injuries healed.
I wish things like this didn't happen.
And it makes me so mad that they do.
And I guess I am coming to You because I don't know where else to go. I don't even really know what to say. I read a comment somewhere that stated prayers aren't going to help. Maybe they don't think so, but I do, and I am going to pray for the people who have lost someone in the tornado, that they find comfort and peace. I am going to pray for the people who do not have a home, that they are blessed with resources to allow them to continue to live. I am going to pray for the people who are helping sort through the wreckage, that they have strength. And finally, I am going to pray for the rest of us, that we may find it in our hearts to do something to help, even in the smallest of ways.
I am sure, God, that you can tell I am frustrated. Defeated. But this is not about me in any way shape or form. This is about the people in Oklahoma.
Help us. Help us to get through this. Help us to understand our role as human beings is to love, support, and assist one another. Help us to embrace life.
Peace be with all of you in Oklahoma, and the rest of us as we do our best to help.
God, send your angels.
Love, Megan
TO HELP:
Text the word REDCROSS to 90999. You need to be 18 or older, or have parental permission, to donate this way. (If you change your mind, text the word STOP to 90999.)
Donate to the Oklahoma Baptist Disaster Relief Fund by mailing a check to BGCO, Attn: Disaster Relief, 3800 N. May Ave., Oklahoma City, OK., 73112.
Donate to the Salvation Army online at salvationarmyusa.org
Showing posts with label tragedy. Show all posts
Showing posts with label tragedy. Show all posts
Monday, May 20, 2013
Monday, April 15, 2013
Boston Marathon
I am taking a short break from the A-Z challenge to post about the Boston Marathon tragedy.
I know it seems strange. What can a 25 year old from Michigan possibly have to say about such a horrific act of terrorism?
Well. I don't know. But I have to say something, because that's how I operate.
In February 2010 I did a 1/2 marathon. I had trained for it for months and flew down to Florida with two of my good pals to rock that thing. It wasn't easy. I am not a runner, and I am overweight. I didn't ever think I'd be able to do that race. But I did it. And when I crossed the finish line, I immediately saw my friends. They were waiting for me and they were cheering so hard, waiting to hug me. I also saw my cousin Bonny. I hadn't seen her in YEARS, and she made a special trip out to see me- and there she was. I picked her right out of the crowd immediately.
When I first heard about the explosion today I could not help but think of the people like me. People who trained hard and shed tears as they did that marathon, not sure if they'd make it. People who were running to prove to themselves that they could do it. People who had friends waiting on the finish line for them.
That moment I crossed the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my entire life. To think that these people were welcomed not by their loved ones but by an explosion, by blood and screaming, by injuries, by smoke, by death- is just heart wrenching. That's not how it's supposed to be.
People dedicate the race to certain causes. They run for other people. They run in memory of other people. They are running for GOOD. Some are running for GOD. And then this happens.
I will never, ever understand how people can have so much hate in their veins that they find it necessary to try to kill thousands of other people. It terrifies me that they find that the best option.
Families were torn apart today. All across the globe people worried about their loved ones in Boston. Nearly all of us know someone or knows someone who knew someone who was running there today. Or someone who lives there or heck someone who just happened to be there on a business trip. This act fueled fear and heartbreak, tragedy and devastation.
It has to stop.
Hate has to stop.
I don't know how to stop it. I don't know how to tell our young kids that it gets better. I just know how to love. And that is what I am going to do. Continue to show my love and be a loving person. At this point, I think that's all any of us can do.
Stop bullying.
Stop tearing people down.
Stop hating.
Stop using words to destroy.
Stop hiding behind a screen.
Start loving.
This world is far, far too beautiful to let it continue to rot with hatred. Take a stand against hate. Start small.
Dear God,
None of us can begin to understand the tragic events that took place in Boston today. And I know a lot of people are asking where You were. I know that You were there. You were pushing the witnesses to help others. You were that little voice that told people to be strong. You carried people. And while that doesn't completely take away the pain and the hurt, it is a comfort to know that we are not alone. God, send us peace. Help our hearts turn from hate and open to love. Open to show love. Open to accept love. Give us the strength, as a nation, to hold hands and get through this by loving one another. Keep our children safe. They are our hope for the future. May love, comfort, and hope spread amongst the people of Boston and everyone affected by today's tragedy.
I know it seems strange. What can a 25 year old from Michigan possibly have to say about such a horrific act of terrorism?
Well. I don't know. But I have to say something, because that's how I operate.
In February 2010 I did a 1/2 marathon. I had trained for it for months and flew down to Florida with two of my good pals to rock that thing. It wasn't easy. I am not a runner, and I am overweight. I didn't ever think I'd be able to do that race. But I did it. And when I crossed the finish line, I immediately saw my friends. They were waiting for me and they were cheering so hard, waiting to hug me. I also saw my cousin Bonny. I hadn't seen her in YEARS, and she made a special trip out to see me- and there she was. I picked her right out of the crowd immediately.
When I first heard about the explosion today I could not help but think of the people like me. People who trained hard and shed tears as they did that marathon, not sure if they'd make it. People who were running to prove to themselves that they could do it. People who had friends waiting on the finish line for them.
That moment I crossed the finish line was one of the proudest moments of my entire life. To think that these people were welcomed not by their loved ones but by an explosion, by blood and screaming, by injuries, by smoke, by death- is just heart wrenching. That's not how it's supposed to be.
People dedicate the race to certain causes. They run for other people. They run in memory of other people. They are running for GOOD. Some are running for GOD. And then this happens.
I will never, ever understand how people can have so much hate in their veins that they find it necessary to try to kill thousands of other people. It terrifies me that they find that the best option.
Families were torn apart today. All across the globe people worried about their loved ones in Boston. Nearly all of us know someone or knows someone who knew someone who was running there today. Or someone who lives there or heck someone who just happened to be there on a business trip. This act fueled fear and heartbreak, tragedy and devastation.
It has to stop.
Hate has to stop.
I don't know how to stop it. I don't know how to tell our young kids that it gets better. I just know how to love. And that is what I am going to do. Continue to show my love and be a loving person. At this point, I think that's all any of us can do.
Stop bullying.
Stop tearing people down.
Stop hating.
Stop using words to destroy.
Stop hiding behind a screen.
Start loving.
This world is far, far too beautiful to let it continue to rot with hatred. Take a stand against hate. Start small.
Dear God,
None of us can begin to understand the tragic events that took place in Boston today. And I know a lot of people are asking where You were. I know that You were there. You were pushing the witnesses to help others. You were that little voice that told people to be strong. You carried people. And while that doesn't completely take away the pain and the hurt, it is a comfort to know that we are not alone. God, send us peace. Help our hearts turn from hate and open to love. Open to show love. Open to accept love. Give us the strength, as a nation, to hold hands and get through this by loving one another. Keep our children safe. They are our hope for the future. May love, comfort, and hope spread amongst the people of Boston and everyone affected by today's tragedy.
Friday, December 14, 2012
newtown tragedy.
There are a lot of people trying to make sense of today's tragedy. Going through the details, piece by piece. The timeline. The pictures.
I can't do that. I don't even know all the details. Just some numbers. The shooter was 24. 27 people are dead. 20 of them are children.
That's all I really need to know to feel this affected, this broken. I'm not sure what urged me to write this blog, or what it will really entail, I just had to say something.
The Victims.
Stating the obvious...their lives were cut short, tragically. No one should go like that, ever. I have this image of Jesus hugging the kids so tightly, wiping tears from their eyes and telling them they don't have to be afraid anymore. They are angels now, and they will protect other children.
The Survivors/Witnesses
They will never be the same. Memories of this day will be stuck in their minds forever. And it won't be easy. My prayer for the sweet kids AND adults who witnessed this tragedy is that they are somehow able to heal from the pain. That something will keep them going, even on the hardest days. For the teachers who did their absolute best to comfort their students during the tragedy, God bless you. You are heroes. I'm not going to tell you to stay strong because I know right now that seems impossible. I will just pray that you find strength, find hope, find peace.
The Families of the Victims
My words won't mean much but I am so, deeply sorry, and if I could take away the pain and loss that you are feeling and bring back your loved ones, I would. I am sending you all the hugs and prayers that I can muster.
The Rest of Us
We cannot argue over gun laws right now. I have my opinion, and so do you. But fighting over it and spreading hate is not going to solve anything. Stand up for what you believe in without bringing someone else down. The people of Newtown need our prayers, not our nasty comments toward one another. We have to stand together, stand up for each other and be a shoulder to lean on during these hard times. We must teach our children that there is still good in the world and that love conquers hate.
My St. Hugo Family
I could not help but think of you guys immediately after hearing the news. I want you to know how appreciated you are- the kids, the staff, and the parents. You are treasured and you are loved.
I can't do that. I don't even know all the details. Just some numbers. The shooter was 24. 27 people are dead. 20 of them are children.
That's all I really need to know to feel this affected, this broken. I'm not sure what urged me to write this blog, or what it will really entail, I just had to say something.
The Victims.
Stating the obvious...their lives were cut short, tragically. No one should go like that, ever. I have this image of Jesus hugging the kids so tightly, wiping tears from their eyes and telling them they don't have to be afraid anymore. They are angels now, and they will protect other children.
The Survivors/Witnesses
They will never be the same. Memories of this day will be stuck in their minds forever. And it won't be easy. My prayer for the sweet kids AND adults who witnessed this tragedy is that they are somehow able to heal from the pain. That something will keep them going, even on the hardest days. For the teachers who did their absolute best to comfort their students during the tragedy, God bless you. You are heroes. I'm not going to tell you to stay strong because I know right now that seems impossible. I will just pray that you find strength, find hope, find peace.
The Families of the Victims
My words won't mean much but I am so, deeply sorry, and if I could take away the pain and loss that you are feeling and bring back your loved ones, I would. I am sending you all the hugs and prayers that I can muster.
The Rest of Us
We cannot argue over gun laws right now. I have my opinion, and so do you. But fighting over it and spreading hate is not going to solve anything. Stand up for what you believe in without bringing someone else down. The people of Newtown need our prayers, not our nasty comments toward one another. We have to stand together, stand up for each other and be a shoulder to lean on during these hard times. We must teach our children that there is still good in the world and that love conquers hate.
My St. Hugo Family
I could not help but think of you guys immediately after hearing the news. I want you to know how appreciated you are- the kids, the staff, and the parents. You are treasured and you are loved.
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