By Orrin Hudson
The recent massacre in Newtown, Connecticut is a cry for help across our entire country. President Barack Obama during a memorial service, said, “I’ll use whatever power I have to prevent the type of tragedy that occurred… We all need to contribute in some way, shape or form to the betterment of our nation and communities.” And he was right!
Too often now, we are hearing about such massacres in different parts in the country. Sometimes, they occur at schools, malls and even workplaces. Sometimes, the shooter is a child, sometimes he or she is an adult. Regardless, we as a national community must start pushing the message to “THINK IT OUT, DON’T SHOOT IT OUT”.
The problem is that many of us think we are separate from others; But we are universally one. One song. We normally realize this when a tragedy strikes, but really we should realize this all along. Instead, we are walking in fear, not walking in love. We should be walking in love. We must move away from anger and fear towards each other.
We must embrace and promote life lessons, communication skills, and coping skills. We must teach to each other how to deal with life challenges, and solve problems peacefully. We must adapt slogans such as “Brain Before Bullets”, and as mentioned before, “Think It Out, Don’t Shoot It Out.”
We must do more than talk; we must act and the time to act is now.
Parents: Talk to your children regularly and address their emotional needs. Learn how to identify the signs of depression and mental illness. Be on alert for signs that show mental instability, uncontrolled anger, and even unreasonableness. If needed, take action to get them the medical attention they need.
Also, take caution with the movies, video games, and music that your children are involved with. Garbage in, garbage stays! Take caution when buying toy guns and such for your kids. Such activities can stimulate violent desires and fantasies in your children
Teach them to walk in love.
Teachers: Pay attention to your students. Don’t teach at them, teach to them. Inspire them. Challenge them, but don’t discourage them. Don’t overwhelm them. Don’t create unnecessary stress for them that they can’t handle. Always remember that, in addition to school, students have a life at home. They are people, they are real. Be a friend, be a counselor.
Teach them to walk in love.
Communities: Embrace each other. Pay attention to each other’s needs. Eat meals together, and talk to each other – in person. If there is a problem or disagreement, settle it. And if someone has mental challenges, assist them. Don’t allow problems to go on unsettled. Also, don’t be abusive in your speech towards each. Words cut like knives, and some wounds never heal. Be effective. Be compassionate. Be the solution.
Teach each other to walk in love.
This isn’t where it ends, but it is definitely where it starts. So, let’s start here, right here, right now!
Orrin “Checkmate” Hudson is an award-winning author and master motivational speaker who has inspired many to “make the right move” and solve problems peacefully. He has taught many groups at churches, schools, organizations, and corporations. For more details and to watch his recent interview on CNN, visit www.besomeone.org or call (770) 465-6445.
