This morning during my 8 a.m., I left class to walk around and wake myself up so I could pay attention in class. One thing I love about being a journalism major is the fact that every floor has the news playing on a television at all times. But this morning, it was different.
I stopped and had a few conversations before going into the lounge for a paper towel. I’ve learned to tune out the TV because starting the morning off with Trump’s voice before my classes isn’t my favorite thing. But this morning, it was different.
It was like I was watching an action movie. Bright yellow figures running across the screen, shrill screaming and rapid gunshots. My eyes were drawn to the headline, “NEW VIDEO SHOWS CONCERTGOERS FLEEING SCENE.”
Chills. Absolute chills at the images I witnessed secondhand. Fear. Absolute fear for these innocent lives fleeing as fast as they can. Sorrow. Absolute sorrow for the people who will never live the same life all because they desired to enjoy themselves for a night.
My heart is broken for the families that will struggle to see good, will struggle to feel safe and will struggle to understand where the presence of God is.
With all of the tragedy and natural disaster flooding the globe, it’s so easy to fall victim to the bystander effect. It’s easy to excuse ourselves from the helping hands when monetarily, we don’t have the means. It’s easy to let our minds drift during chapels and church services when we say a sentence for the people who have no more words.
But most of all, this is not the time for politics. It isn’t time to blame the media. It isn’t time to blame Trump, and it most definitely is not the time to give him attention for any reason. This is not about gun control, nor is it about our government security. It’s about human beings.
One hour ago, not even a week since it happened, I receive notification of Paul Ryan seeking to push new bills. Whether its to wear the jacket of heroism or to actually find a solution is not the point.
It needs to stop. We need time to mourn. We need time to heal. We need time to love. We need time to share Christ. We need time to be human.
