Time for a Shift in Our Country, Don't You Think?

I am breathing in silence for the third time in 14 months.  Both of my children are in dream land.  BOTH KIDS ARE ASLEEP... IN THE AFTERNOON.  It is my own kind of a Minneapolis Miracle.  I mean, it may not be the final play between Keenum and Diggs of the Vikings NFC divisional playoff game, but it sure feels like it.  I'm pretty much jumping up and down screaming in disbelief. It feels like a major win today.  Let's not forget about all the Minnesotan's that CLEANED UP at the Olympics this year.  They are our Minnesota Miracles, restoring hope and faith in hardwork, dedication, and celebration.  And today the sun is slowly melting away the snow with a full moon in the sky at the same time, the miracles of nature align.  So the odds are in my favor for this mini miracle of duo sleep!  All of this free time!  There are dozens of things I could be doing such as cleaning and organizing my house and life, or self care.  But not today. That can wait.  It's time to write.

It has been a heavy year.  Life isn't an easy road, but for some reason, the world seems to be swelling with division and fear more and more as time continues to pass.  As a mother of two, as a former teacher, as a human being, I am having the hardest time facing the realities that surround us. For the most part I have found ways to focus on all the positive things life blesses us with.  But today I am drowning in all of the debates, articles, news shows, social media posts, and radio commentary that is spilling into our everyday routines around gun laws, rights, and violence.  Everywhere I turn, it's like a gun is loaded with disheartening opinion bullets and it's firing away.  I don't know how everyone is truthfully managing dodging this fiery mess.  I have been hit in the heart, in the gut, and I am bleeding in agony and frustration for our country, our families, our youth and our schools.  It's time to use my voice. 

I don't have the answers.  And honestly, I don't know where to start.  So why say anything at all?  That is what most would say.  But I have seen brilliance in our 1st amendment, in people taking a peaceful stand for what is right, and in the youth of our country.  We live in a place of freedom.  My grandfathers were hunters and military men. People own guns.  I don't wish to take away that freedom.  But COME ON! When the process to drive a vehicle is harder than purchasing a gun, we need to make a change. Why in God's name is it okay for anyone to own an AR-15? It's fun to shoot? I don't believe that was the intention, or they were intended for civilians to have. They are doing more harm than good in our world.  And anyone who can't see that needs to clear their mind and open their eyes.  Take a walk down memory lane of all the horror that they have caused in our churches, concerts, clubs, theaters, and schools.  SCHOOLS.

Lives were lost.  Precious, beautiful, innocent lives.  

This idea, to train teachers to hold a gun in schools, is asinine.  The funding, the time, and the chaos that it would create is beyond measure.   Teachers bear enough everyday already, bearing arms should not be added to the list.  How about providing them with supplies, books, pay, support staff, resources, and appreciation first?!  That might be a better place to start.  Build the community up, don't tear it down.  Keep the guns in the dear stands. 

I am a meditative person.  And I am someone who holds people in my heart and prayers.  But "thoughts & prayers" is only ONE of the steps of MANY in making a favorable difference.  If it's not backed up with action & support, the difference it's making is for the person saying those thoughts and prayers for peace of mind and heart. Yes, spiritual connection is huge and is a solid foundation. But it doesn't make a holistic difference for the general public. There isn't a change in our global society.  It doesn't alter our policies to better our communities and world.  It's a step and can create energy in our spiritual world.  So say thoughts and prayers, bring peace within, then DO SOMETHING POSITIVE TO HELP MAKE CHANGE AROUND YOU.

Be kind.  Help someone at the gas station. Buy coffee for a stranger. Give a bag of groceries to the homeless person standing on the corner.  Call your family and check in.  Write to your representatives.  Show up to a city meeting ( I still need to do this...) Thank your child's teachers with a gift card. Vote. Live simply.  Make an anonymous donation. Shovel for your neighbor.  Take notice of those around you and compliment them, not on looks, but on character.  Start with the small daily miracles. 

You guys, this world is FULL OF STRESS. Everyone is dealing with unwanted shenanigans. Any time you can lift just a tiny piece of that away, YOU bring this world light, joy, ease, contentment, appreciation, and love.  Even if its just for a moment.  That is how we start to make change.  

And to those in positions of power. It would be a miracle if you used common sense and stopped being a puppet to those who give you money. Do something bigger. Share more hope.  Listen to the people and take positive action. We, the people, are not going to quiet down.  So join us in making our country a proud and welcoming place to be.