Enough Already!

I spent some time in Carmel yesterday by myself. I took my dog and a chair and sat on the beach for a while to think through some issues I’m dealing with but was struggling to focus because earlier in the day, I had heard of some tragic breaking news (again). This time, an attacker decided to drive a truck through a crowded promenade of people celebrating Bastille Day and enjoying fireworks in Nice, France. Death toll stands at 84 (inclusive of 10 innocent little children).

This got me thinking. What’s really going on in the world? I mean I can’t seem to keep up with the number of killings, suicide bombings, explosions and executions that seem to be occurring every week. Then I found a chilling link on Wikipedia and was hit hard by this real data, which put it all in perspective. On average, there are about 30 terrorist incidents occurring around the world each month! Check this out - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_terrorist_incidents,_2016

What is our role in all of this as men, fathers, and husbands? It’s so easy to stay content in our comfortable little bubbles. We are tired, busy, distracted, etc.. And then something like this happens and we are briefly awakened from our slumber or routine, we assess the situation, catch our bearings, and then hit snooze again. The problem is that humanity is in an outrageous cycle of global chaos and destruction and because everything seems to be happening at a “safe” arm’s length distance from “the bubble”, we in turn become contented with the cycle. 

I’m not necessarily suggesting we weapon up, join the armed forces or even vote for a particular candidate. I am suggesting we at least do the following and I’m calling these the “3 P’s Toward Peace”. Pray, Protect, and Promote.

Pray. God is not to blame for the evil in this world any more than that truck is to blame for the people who were killed. God gives us freedom to choose good or evil and unfortunately, evil seems to be breeding like rabbits around the world right now. Why? Because evil grows when darkness and deceit rules the hearts of men. Yes, pray for the families and victims of all of these atrocities but pray also that love would win again and that peace and restoration would rise from the ashes.

Protect. Let’s not pretend that the threat isn’t drawing closer. If it could happen in Orlando or San Bernardino, it could happen where you live as well. Just be smart. You don’t need to live in fear. Live your life and enjoy it, but be cautious. Lock your doors at night. Be wise about where you travel and where you take your family. Protect your loved ones however you must to ensure their safety to the best of your ability.

Promote. Let’s promote love and respect. Our hearts need to change as a people. Love is a powerful thing and it starts with us. Let’s lead by example. When we promote love and respect first to the people closest to us (our wives and children) and then look outward to build bridges of love and respect to the world around us, we become the change we all long to see in the world.

Consider these verses:

Hebrews 12:14 – “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.”

Romans 12:18 – “If it is possible, as far as it depends on you, live at peace with everyone.”

Let’s go get it!