Words cannot express the admiration and affection I have for today’s youth, and the movement they have created to protect their future. And our future.
In particular, the kids from Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School constantly occupy my thoughts since the tragedy that happened to them and their school two months ago. In my opinion, the survivors have had their life purpose abruptly handed to them in the wake of crisis, and I am in awe of how quickly they responded to their new mission. The movement they have created to address gun control and school safety issues within such a short time is unprecedented. Literally overnight, these kids went from being normal teens to intelligent, articulate, poised and fearless change makers and Twitter sensations. They have stood their ground in spite of criticism, ridicule and personal attacks because that’s how you are guided to be when they Divine presents you with your voice and your marching orders.
While I think we are witnessing a great deal of brilliance, I would like to indulge my unsolicited guidance to these kids. And it would go something like this…
“I cannot possibly tell you how proud I am of you and your advocacy for gun regulations and school safety measures. Your voice is necessary, and it will make a difference. You are making the world a better place for my future grand kids, and for that I am genuinely grateful. Everything you are doing is on point and so inspirational. However, if I could change one thing, I would make this sign go away:
It pains me that our youth would reject our thoughts and prayers, especially in a time of crisis. I get that prayer alone won’t change current legislation. But we can still keep these kids, their families, the faculty, school communities and, of course, the innocent victims, in our thoughts and prayers. Maybe the kids don’t realize that we tell someone they are in our thoughts and prayers, we are expressing our love for them. Some people have thousands of dollars to contribute to this worthy cause, and some people have thousands of thoughts and prayers. Both are invaluable for the cause to succeed.
My belief is that any school we send our kids to learn, grow and be groomed as future leaders is holy ground. I am not suggesting a school or student needs to have any particular religious affiliation. But I consider these learning environments to be sacred spaces. Unfortunately, when these holy grounds are vibrant and thriving, evil spirits creep in – whether it is in the form of negative energy, bullying, cheating or deadly acts of violence. As parents, we drop our kids off at school with blind faith that they are going to a safe environment, and I am a huge proponent of school safety for everyone involved. Over the years, I have offered countless prayers for students, teachers and staff, bus drivers, volunteers – and anyone who has the responsibility for protecting our kids when they are out of our sight. My hope is that these prayers provide a source of peace for each recipient as they continue to do for me.
I would also remind these bright kids that there are only two emotions in life – love and fear. We see the damaging repercussions of fear based behavior within this Parkland tragedy. These kids with a cause have a mission that extends beyond gun regulations and safety. They need to eradicate fear behaviors by continuing their great work while being guided by love and gratitude. Let love be your teacher, and let love be enough.”
My prayer is that our kids become open to the love, support, prayers and good intentions of those near and far as they change our world for the better. Amen.
