Thoughts, Prayers, and the next Tragedy

            In the wake of tragedy we offer thoughts and prayers. In America we have had so much tragedy though, that it seems like a perfunctory, nothing, of a statement. So much so the show On The Media included the statement in their most recent breaking news consumers handbook.

            It is the only thing to say in the immediate aftermath of a major incident, though. To say anything else and one is accused of politicizing a horrible event.

            I offer in this time, appropriately long enough, following the shooting of Rep. Steve Scalise while at baseball practice for the congressional baseball game, that for the next horrible thing that happens, I WILL offer my thoughts and prayers, and it will be a radically political statement.

            My thoughts will be for the survivors. And how I will build a better world for those affected by the upsetting event and those it might touch next. Policies may need to change, law makers may need to be lobbied. Deep, values challenging conversations may need to happen. I won’t shy away from them, and I won’t let someone tell me it’s “too soon.” Particularly when, for someone, it may already be too late.

            My prayers will be to change the hearts and minds of those who stand in my way. A better world does not come easy and we must all band together to do that important work. So I’ll pray that my motives remain true, and my methods become effective.

            Perhaps, those thoughts and prayers of mine will end up reiterating a previously held position. Perhaps, the event in question will lead me to question and rethink previously held positions. Either way, I hope to act rationally and begin my work immediately. Any delay could prevent people from genuinely being able to help.

            I will want to offer condolences and empathy to survivors or victims. But my words will be hollow should I not be willing to take action and to be honest immediately following a horrible incident. No one can claim to seriously feel for a victim if they are unwilling to remedy the cause.

            So the next time we see tragedy, can we all offer our thoughts and prayers, and let’s make them count.