Greetings today is “President’s Day” in the United States, with many enjoying the Federal holiday officially known as Washington’s Birthday, originally meant to honor the country’s first president, George Washington.
As for each President who has succeeded George Washington; I’m sure none of them would or could have ever imagined what this world would come to considering the recent shooting in Kansas City, February 14, 2024.
Nowadays, it doesn’t matter, as we all have grown accustomed to, that violence still seems to happen regardless of whether it’s Valentine’s Day or Ash Wednesday.
I often wonder, when the Group Chicago released the song “What’s This World Comin’ To” in the early 70s, how things would play out the way they have in the present?
Chicago – What’s This World Comin’ To Lyrics | AZLyrics.com
Today, in 2024, I don’t even try to figure out what’s wrong with this world because society has changed over time.
We lock our doors at night and have various alarms or cameras around our homes for protection.
One thing that we do know is that it’s not safe. Imagine how it was over 50 years ago in your neighborhood.
Today, we still see that there is a growing number of people possessing firearms, both legal and illegal, in our country.
We know the adage that “Life is short” and unpredictable. This past week, we learned that Lisa Lopez-Gavan, a DJ at a local Radio station, was killed during the Kansas City Chiefs Celebration at Union Station. Again, violence never stops.
The words “Active Shooter” are now tattooed in the back of our minds because it continues to happen more often.
The Real Reason Mass Shootings Are on the Rise | Psychology Today
In addition, we have created laws that permit people to carry arms.
Missouri Concealed Carry Gun Laws: CCW & Reciprocity Map | USCCA 2021-05-18 (usconcealedcarry.com)
I know that I’m probably telling you something that you already know; however, the question is, when will it ever stop?
State-by-State Concealed Carry Permit Laws – ProCon.org
Right to carry gun laws: Explained (usafacts.org)
Ironically, I have physically seen one man in my neighborhood who walks his dog religiously with his gun on his hip.
It’s almost like I dare you.
As I think about the senseless shooting that ruined a joyous occasion among a million people celebrating at Union Station, I’m sure there is a positive side for those who were present.
Maybe it was their reminder that life is short, and they should live it to the fullest.
Maybe the training of one military person or others who helped bring down the gunmen.
Maybe it was the one person who had planned to be there and was called to do something else at the last minute.
I pray that during this Lenten season, we find one thing to focus on to make this world a better place to live.
Last week, I asked the question, when people start connecting the dots in their life, what might they say about you? For the DJ, Lisa Lopez-Galvan, who was killed during the Kansas City Chiefs Celebration at Union Station, we do know she was making a difference.
Today, it is yours to continue making a difference in this world and the lives of others.
I leave you with this quote: “What is wrong is that we do not ask what is right.” G. K. Chesterton, What’s Wrong with the World (1910).
In answer to a newspaper’s question, “What is Wrong with the World?” G. K. Chesterton wrote in with a simple answer: “Dear Sirs, I am.”
My Brother your message hit home today. This world is headed in the wrong direction and we all need to pay attention. I hope everyone realizes we only have one life to live. So, please don’t forget that your family life need protection also.
Ralph,
You are known to me as “My Big Brother” because you have always supported me. Thank you for your input this week towards my blog and we all do need to pay attention to this one life we are given.
CM
My Brother your message hit home today. This world is headed in the wrong direction and we all need to pay attention. I hope everyone realizes we only have one life to live. So, please don’t forget that your family life need protection also.
Good morning CM, I feel as though there is a lack of respect for humanity, individuals are sick (emotionally, mentally, etc.) and history is starting to repeat itself in various ways in our country. As it relates to protection, I don’t think there is anything wrong with owning firearms, but there is a huge responsibility that comes along with doing so. On the contrary, I feel the best thing I can do is pray and treat others with dignity and respect.
Terrance,
Thank you for your insight as well today for this blog. I continue to tell people that history will repeat itself, however sometimes it falls on deaf ears. I respect your opinion on protection and owning firearms. What you wrote is so crucial “huge responsibility that comes along with doing so.” You’re right, all we can do is continue to pray and treat others with dignity and respect even though they may not return the favor.
CM
Great thought provoking words this week! We have to do everything within our power to make the world a better place for our children and grandchildren. As the great philosopher Michael Jackson once said “It starts with the man in the mirror’.
Clyde,
Always a pleasure to get your insights and today is no different. When Michael Jackson wrote and sang the song “Man in the Mirror” he had a look into the future. If we continue to try each day you and I to make this a world a better place for our children and grandchildren we are doing our part.
McKinley
I like asking what is right and working toward, “why is this so, and how can I help it flourish”. Enough people are working on/thinking about/ talking about what is wrong and God bless them.
I heard that if you emphasize what is right and what you want to have happen, more of that tends to happen.
Let’s encourage the kind, the humble, the selfless, the uplifters and give them the press and recognition they deserve.
And let that begin with me.
Thank you for taking the time to create and curate thoughtful content, MC3, and for providing the space for reflection.
Jane,
Greetings, I honored with your insight as it relates to the word “flourish.” I’m encouraged by what you wrote and as you said “let that begin with me.” More people need to do that if we want this world to be a better place.
McKinley
Sir Curtis 111,
Thank you for taking the time to provoke thought!
Yes, I agree, that we live in a broken world. I accept the charge and the challenge to introspect asking how I can make a difference! I will be more intentional knowing that one person (me) can influence 250 other lives!
Madam Shirley,
Thank you for your contributions as well toward this blog and accepting the charge and the challenge towards the introspect of asking how you can make a difference! I like your word “I will be more intentional knowing that one person (me) can influence 250 other lives!”
McKinley
McKinley, change starts with me!!!
Scott,
Absolutely!
McKinley
This was good! Right on time. Often My prayer is that I’m better today than I was yesterday. There are so many things wrong but in the same breath so much that’s right. I saw a story of a bus driver that bought his student PJ’S because he was sad he had none to wear on pajama day at school. That simple act of kindness made a lasting impression on that kid but also all the people that read the story or saw it on the news.
My hope is that one day all the good will overpower and take over all the bad. I don’t want to be fearful of taking my daughter to a parade or sending her to school daily.
Ashley,
Greetings,
Thank you for adding value this week to my blog. I’m honored that I was able to provide value to you as well. Thank you for sharing your story of the bus driver that bought his student PJ’S because he was sad, he had none to wear on pajama day at school. Yes, it is those simple acts of kindness that we need to see more of an in others. No one should be fearful of taking their children to a parade or school. I believe we must keep the faith and continue praying for a better world.
McKinley