As I write this post, my heart aches for the sweet children who lost their lives Friday in Connecticut and for the families who now have a hole in their hearts that will never be filled.
We obviously have a problem with violence in our society, one that has taken so many innocent lives and brought grief to so many others this year.
Finding a solution to this problem will be a difficult one, as politics and political differences will likely stand in the way. We will all surely be discussing and debating gun control, school security and mental health issues in the coming weeks and months.
We all have different political views, but I think these are some things we can do to make our communities and our world a better place:
– Hug Your Children Tighter and Love Them Every Day: Every child needs to feel loved and valued. In loving our children, we can help to build a society that is loving, protective and supportive.
– Love Your Neighbor and Reach Out to Those In Need: Everyone in our community needs to feel loved and valued. A child or person who does not feel loved, appreciated and supportive is more likely to feel isolated and without hope.
– Support Your Schools and Teachers: We need to support the education and support of our children – a child’s education provides a foundation for the rest of his or her life. Also, much of a child’s psychological and emotional support is likely to come from his or her school. As we debate whether more safety/security and psychological counseling are needed in our schools, our school systems are going to need our financial support to make any approved changes.
– Work with Your Community to Affect Positive Change: Get behind a cause you believe in to help make our communities and our world a safer place for our children. Now is the time to lend your time, efforts and financial assistance to the charities and causes you believe in. Get involved in your community – whether it be through Boy or Girl Scouts, the school’s PTO, your place of worship or the local food kitchen – to help make it a better place.
Reach Out To the Sandy Hook Community
For those who would like to do what they can to reach out to the Sandy Hook Community, there are at least two charities that are working to help those in need in the Newtown, Conn., community. The Red Cross has been providing food, water and emotional support to families and first responders in Newtown, and could use your financial support. The United Way has created the “Sandy Hook School Support Fund” in partnership with Newtown Savings Bank. An address to which charitable contributions can be made can be found on the United Way’s website.
