Reflections: Seeking Solace In Tragic Times…
“I am sick of the solace of sorrow, And fear what the prophets foretold; I am tired of the tears of tomorrow, And wish that things were as of old; I have felt of the force of the fetters, I have drunk of the draught that embitters, And all is not gold.” Algernon Charles Swinburne
Reflections: Seeking Solace In Tragic Times… May We all seek Peace
By now, most of us have heard or read about the terrible massacre of innocent movie-goers in Aurora, Colorado. My heart, condolences and prayers go out to the families of the 12 souls who lost their lives, and to the 58 wounded who, most probably, will spend a life time reflecting on the events of that early Friday morning, in Theatre 9, as they sat waiting to watch a premiere showing of “The Dark Knight Rises.” RIP WP Blogger & sports intern, Jessica Ghawi, Alex Sullivan, and others yet un-named. Only James Holmes, the gunman, and God know why and what motivated him to head for that movie theater, armed to the teeth, and open fire minutes after the 12:05 a.m. movie screening began… We are all saddened by this event and at a loss for an explanation.
What I do know is that we live in a world where so many are frustrated, desperate, hurting, and unsure of what the future holds. As people continue to lose jobs, homes, and their sense of self, anger and depression can set in and fester into violence; leaving more hurting people and offering no solace to those killed or left to grieve. However, violence is not the answer. We must find uplifting outlets, a support system of people we trust, prayer partners or professional counseling to help us seek a positive path to recovery. Inflicting pain on others; be it family members, friends, co-workers, or even innocent bystanders will not diminish our pain only exacerbate it. The Aurora Colorado shootings are a painful reminder for us all. May we all seek Peace…
“There is nothing so bitter that a patient mind cannot find some solace for it” Seneca
Reflections: Seeking Solace In Tragic Times… May We all find Peace
From Death to Immortality
From the unreal lead us to the Real,
From darkness lead us to Light.
From death lead us to immortality.
—Upanishads
What I do know is that even with the pain and suffering many are enduring globally, there is still plenty of opportunity for good in our world. In tragic times, we can seek solace by comforting others in pain and by listening and lending a hand when needed. We can do our part by showing compassion and helping others in need. It is the goodness, focused prayers, and massive positive intentions of those who uphold dharma and goodwill on our planet that sustain the world. Evil might rage on for a while but it is soon replaced… As for Gun control, if we cannot ban guns outright, there should at least be a ban on the sale of assault weapons, and a psychological test be standard requirement for all who wish to buy a gun. Please pray for all who were touched by this tragedy. May we all find Peace… More below
“Do not allow any circumstances to affect your faith in God, who is your strength and solace.” Sri Sathya Sai Baba
Reflections: Seeking Solace In Tragic Times… May We all become channels of Peace
Prayers of Comfort and Hope
God Is Our Hope
God is our hope and strength,
a very present help in trouble.
Therefore will we not fear, though the earth be moved,
and though the hills be carried into the midst of the sea;
Though the waters thereof rage and swell,
and though the mountains shake at the tempest of the same.
There is a river, the streams whereof make glad the city of God,
the holy place of the tabernacle of the Most High.
— Book of Common Prayer 1979 via Beliefnet.com
While we might not have answers, we can share our thoughts and prayers for those left behind. I cannot pretend to know the level of pain loved ones are coping with right now. However, we can send them our love, healing comfort and prayers. May we all become channels of healing and peace. What are your thoughts? What was your first reaction to the news? How would you describe your feelings about this tragedy? What advice would you offer? Do share! Thank you. 😉
*Please bear with me as I catch up on your blogs and commenting… I’m still recovering from a bronchial cold and will be back on track with reading and responding to your blogs soon. Thank you all for your patience! 🙂
Positive Motivation Tip: May we all find peace ways to seek solace in difficult times…
PHOTO CREDITS/ATTRIBUTIONS: All Photos: Prayer Flags from Oliphant, Praying Hands by Aronki, from Flickr, White rose from my personal collection
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
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This is a really tragic waste of human life but I have to say, as someone who doesn’t live in the U.S. – the gun control laws urgently need to be changed. It’s not that there aren’t guns in European countries but I just saw a TV report about this where a police spokesman listed all the weapons and ammunition – thousands of rounds of ammunition – that this man bought recently. Even if you believe you need a gun to defend yourself – and I personally disagree with that – why would you need several – and why would you need thousands of rounds of ammunition? How is it legal to buy so much?
Maybe it would have happened anyway – a terrible shooting tragedy happened in Norway where I’m pretty sure personal guns are illegal – but at least it couldn’t have happened so easily and – weirdly – legally. Laws have an influence on the culture and belief systems in every country – for that reason alone they need to be reviewed. It can’t be worth this sacrifice to allow people the sense of ‘security’ owning personal firearms might be able to give.
I don’t mean to sound like I’m ranting – I’m really not – I am heartbroken for these families and all I am saying is that steps need to be taken to try to prevent terrible tragedies like this in the future.
TY for your feedback… We are all heartbroken by this senseless act of violence and you are not ranting… I agree with your points too. We no longer live in the wild west but some wish to act as if we do and insist on advocating a gun culture… vey sad indeed
I admire you for writing this – I was trying to write something but it just wouldn’t come out right. Within minutes of hearing about the Colorado tragedy we also heard that one of my son’s best friends was in a coma after a car accident just around the corner from us. Hard not to be afraid but your blog really helps so many and I thank you.
TY Jm! I just couldn’t get the horror and pain off my mind and I felt compelled to share this. It is a sad day for all…
The news was very shocking and sad. It still is and I am so sorry for the familys this must be unbarable for them. Being in a “safe” place at the time a place where people usually are relaxing and have their guard down I think is very unsettling. I like the photo of the white rose. :+)
I hope your health is improving.
TY for your comment… It is such a violation of our space and privacy. So shocking too. My condolences go out to to all impacted by this terrible event.
We must make sense of what seems senseless and cure the circumstances that set this into motion. We cannot ignore how this came to be. I happen to have the same view on gun control but there were a whole lot of other things that set this all in motion. We must understand them as a society to stop what seems such an isolated and unfathomable act. It is a tragedy and a warning. My prayers are with those who lost someone to bring all peace.
Same here Karen… All so tragic and imperative that we examine it closely as a society and individually. What is contributing to these acts? How can we put a stop to them before they happen? TY for your feedback!
I was really saddened when I saw the shocking news of yet another mass shooting of innocent people. This is a lovely post with its soothing images and extremely wise quotes.
TY AdinP! It has haunted me since it happened and I had to explore it and send my sympathies to the families who are hurting over it… It is so shocking, so unfathomable.
It saddens me when I reflect on man’s inhumanity toward one another. It is a condition that persist. And the horror of it all, is that we make laws and personal judgements that contribute and support this kind of violence.
Indeed we do… and I am concerned that when things like this happen, we rally, then we disperse till another incident happens again… We must dig deeper and look at the sociocultural contributors and find ways to solve them. TY for your comment!
So glad you wrote this Elizabeth. I’ve been so stunned I can’t even comment on fb about it. It boggles the mind but at the same time is a reminder of how very precious each moment is. We must learn to honor our moments.
thank you,
b
TY B! Each moment is so precious and each human heart so precious… Where did the disregard stem from? We must get back to honoring each humn life.
It’s difficult to comprehend this senseless killing and yet the killer must’ve really been hurting too. I think it’s important, necessary that as a society we need to reach out and “touch” everyone as much as we can.
This is the arc my post took too… As a healer, I find there is so much pain out in our world and it is growing daily and leading to such explosive acts of violence. We do need to help and encourage each other more and when we see someone on the edge, we must not turn away but encourage them to get help… TY for sharing your thoughts!.
It’s really tragic, but thanks as always for the beautiful and comforting quotes. I can’t make any sense of any of it.
TY for your feedback Petchary! It is truly a sad day and state of affairs.
For the Jews this was a week of three tragedies and occurred in the three weeks we mourn the final destruction of our temple by the Romans. The first was the death of the Chief Rabbi of Israel–a man charged with interpreting ancient laws and trying to do so with Tikkun Olam — repairing the universe — ever on his mind. The streets were clogged with mourners walking his coffin from his home to is grave. Almost in conjunction with that event was the bombing of Jews in Bulgaria. Then the horror of the demented man killing so many in Aurora.
I live in Colorado, Aurora is a neighboring suburb. The gun laws in Colorado are liberal. I spoke today with a woman in our temple who carries a gun. When I lived in New York, there was police protection at all the shuls. Not here. Hence some of the worshippers carry guns as part of a security watch.
To me assault weapons are the problem and should be banned. Moreover, part of the problems lies in the black market access to guns by those intent on violence. New York has fairly stringent gun laws, but the gangs have their weapons and simply by pass the law. Finally, even without guns James Holmes had his bombs.
I think the problem has a number of causes. It sounded to me as if James lost his dream of making it to the place in society he dreamed of obtaining. To me the relentless “You can be a star if only you dream it and work at it is partly to place. Had he blamed himself, he would have committed suicide, Like many of his peers, however, he blamed others.
Then there is the constant media veneration of violence often with a bow to using it for all the right reasons, but twisted minds make their own reasons. Witness the many Holocausts visited on so many innocents.
A competative society where many say “Winning matters most” does not help. It focuses on personal gain and in all things those more willing to hurt others seem to be the ones to gain power.
Finally, the ranting and divisiveness of our current political campaign tells me something is very wrong with our value system.
All this pushes me to despair, but the Rabbi said at shul, no matter what each person has to assume responsibilty not just for bemoaning bad things, but doing what ever they can do to challenge evil.
That is what your blog does and i hope it is what mine does. Stay strong.
TY for your thoughtful words and reflections on this incident. So much food for thought in your comment and much that we must take to heart as we go about our daily chores….
Katherine thank you for this response to Elizabeth’s post. The news of the atrocity blasted across a peaceful Saturday in our home and we sat stunned at the news. How could this bright young man have gone so far off his course that he resorted to such violence.
I agree that the competitive society in which we live has much to answer for. And those of us who for years taught and said if you can dream it you can be it, bear some of the blame.
Our local shul has guards at the entrance when services are being conducted. what does that say for our caring community?
I could go on and on but I think that I have probably said enough so that both you and Elizabeth (and anyone else who reads this) are aware of my thoughts on the matter. I wish I could offer some support for the bereaved. Their loss must be unbearable.
Thank you so much, Eliz…I’m going to “press” this on my blog…we are just recovering from the trauma of the Waldo Canyon Fires…and this tragedy has struck too close to home for comfort…but even if happened on the other side of the globe, it would still be too close for comfort. We join you in praying for those impacted by this…many of those who survived will have an uphill battle to overcome the memory of that night in the theater.
Your sensitive and loving post may bring some comfort to them.
TY for your feedback Vivian. It was so shocking an event that it left me with lots of questions and a dose of sadness… Hope you are doing well and that the Fires didn’t damage your property.
Thank you so much, Eliz…we were untouched by the fires…but have many friends who lost homes…I loved your post and had to share it. 🙂
Beautiful post… powerful and poignant. It speaks to that which so many of us are feeling in light of these tragic events. I also second much of what Katherine says, just above. As Jews, this week has been a sad reminder that bad people do very bad things and often target Jews. The massacre in Aurora is a reminder that we all may face dark minds, in places we feel safe. Love, peace and healing to those who have suffered personally in all of these events. Thanks for posting Vivian.
TY for your comment and thoughts too… It is truly a tragic time and one that calls for vigilance and prayers.
Well said Eliz, well said, I am re-blogging this
TY Jim for your comment and the re-blog. I appreciate it!
Reblogged this on Where The Grey Matter Pours Out and commented:
This blog is about me and my pursuit of becoming a published author, today this blog is not about me but about those people who lost their lives and those who were injured in the Colorado massacre I decided to reblog this post from our friend Eliz over at Mirth and Motivation because I could not have written it any better myself.
Thanks again for your feedback and re-blog!
My pleasure
The tragic news left a dent in my heart. We can debate who’s at fault. Unfortunately, this will not bring back anyone lost in yesterday’s shooting. Thanks for sharing such a thoughtful post. Miriam
TY Miriam for your comment and insights; the news left a hole in my heart too…
I’m so grateful for my Prince of Peace, Jesus Christ. Only He can give us true peace in our hearts for any circumstance!
This is such a lovely post. I know there is a lot of pain out there, we should all pray for peace. Thank you for sharing this.
Well said.
Thank-you for a lovely post. Sadly, these types of actions occur daily, even if they are not to this scale. These violations are a desecration not only of loved ones, but of the values that we as a community hold as sacred. We cannot allow ourselves to become accustomed to these types of actions. My prayers are lifted up for those who are coping with the sudden loss of life and injuries to loved ones.
Lovely and thoughtful post.
Your thoughtful quotations and peaceful images are comforting and provide solace.
Needless deaths, Elizabeth. My prayers are with the bereaved. Thank you for sharing such inspiring and uplifting quotes.
Such an awful tragedy in Colorado. As a parent, I can’t even imagine what the parents of the children who died the theater must be feeling. A terrible tragedy.
It’s such a tragedy, in so many ways…I’ve been going back and forth from sadness to dismay…and then moving into frustration and trying to figure out “why?” these “events” continue to happen…and how can we try, in whatever ways possible, to minimize their occurrence and degree…so immensely sad for all involved.
I agree with the comments on weapons above. How can a civil society allow free access to assault weapons? My thoughts remain with those affected by this awful tragedy.
Elizabeth, I’m so pleased you wrote a post about this horrible tragedy.
I also understand Jessica was just here in Toronto when a shooting occurred at the Eaton Centre. She had to duck to escape flying bullets. A tremor raced up my spine. To read the article from the Toronto Star here’s the link: http://www.thestar.com/news/gta/article/1229429–jessica-redfield-victim-of-colorado-theatre-shooting-was-also-at-eaton-centre-shooting.
Your white rose is beautiful and I’m sorry to hear you were not well.
Praying with you all for solace for the grieving ones in the aftermath of the Aurora, CO horror!
a tragic news indeed … leaves one wondering what goes in on the minds of people who are responsible for inflicting so much pain… can’t help wonder what terrible things they go through to reach such a state of mind to do such horrible things.
in here in my paradise of a country we have had 9 murders this year alone. murders were unheard of in these islands until a few years ago… it sorrows my heart to even think abt these things. can only pray that the people did not die in vain and that their families have the strength to go on …
Beautifully written Elizabeth, you have said what I could not find the words to say.
I pray for the families of the victims and as well for the shooter.
The sane and the insane walk in our midst everyday. But why some feel they need to take their insanity out on innocent people is beyond me.