If you're anything like me or many of the other millennials in our communities, you're probably reflecting on some of the mess we're currently dealing with, including seemingly senseless and hurtful acts of violence that have impacted some of us more personally than others--including those whose families are involved in the police force. It's just insane and scary to see where we're headed because if this is the world I'm going to live in, it's hard sometimes to create my own sense of safety and peace. Here are a few ways that all of us can create meaning in the mess we're surrounded with.
1. Help out in the ways you can.
Yes, we're surrounded by madness with politics, violence and movements that don't seem to always be properly motivated. Instead of promoting the Black Lives Matter movement or the All Lives Matter Movement, let's make an actual difference in the lives of those we impact every day. Volunteer on a project requiring physical work, help tutor a child who needs to improve a skill, be a voice for those who cannot speak, help counsel someone who is going through something you overcame...just be there for someone who needs it. All the violence occurring across the states can be disheartening, but a way to combat the violence is to be proactive and act in love, and not just react to the violence, but be a light to those who need it.
2. Don't harden your heart.
Something our generation particularly deals with is a lack of empathy and compassion, and that's largely due to the volume of violence and hatred that we're constantly surrounded with. Beheadings, street fights and shootings flood our timelines. What if instead of simply scrolling by, we got off the social media for a moment and looked at all the goodness that still exists? It can be hard to be a sensitive person in this day and age, but allowing ourselves to feel and be outraged at the injustice occurring is what will lead to actual change. Don't be afraid to look at an issue head-on and decide that you will not tolerate it anymore.
3. Dedicate yourself to improvement.
With everything seemingly dissolving into a sea of despair, we need to strive to be people that stand strong. While everything seems to be getting worse, we need to strive to become better--better at loving, encouraging and social justice. If you see an area that particularly moves you, be sure you take part in eradicating what's not right in any small or big way you can. For example, the recent attacks on police officers have me particularly disturbed. I recently participated in a "Citizen's Academy" in my community--a free, 10-week course offered once a week that taught participants about the various areas of police work in our department. I was able to personally see officers take time to educate citizens of our community and I appreciate that. Take the time to stand up for those who are fighting for you.
4. Become an intercessor.
Stand for those who have fallen. Stand for those who no longer can. And personally, I result first to prayer in situations where I feel out of control or as if I cannot be of help. I understand not everyone feels led to pray, but for those who do, pray for those who go to work not knowing if they'll get to go home. Pray for those who are protecting you and risking everything that matters to them. And most importantly, pray for those who are not promoting social justice, for those who are corrupt, wrong and out of line. It's so easy to just bash those who are violent towards citizens of our communities, but just as we should pray for those who have suffered at the hands of injustice, we should also pray for those who are committing the injustice.
It can be mind numbing to truly look at what's going on in our society without being tempted to just shake our heads and turn back to our Pokémon Go, or whatever else is currently consuming our time. However, when you know you need to do something, just remember that you can make a difference by just improving the lives of those around you. In all this violence, we can make sense out of the goodness we put forth and the light that we keep inside of us.
