There have been numerous discussions in the aftermath of the horrific mass shooting in Las Vegas on Sunday. It is a terrible tragedy, and we need to act as a society to prevent another mass shooting. My desire, however, is not to address the political ramifications (not here).
In a radio interview, this Wednesday, I listened to the response of a Texas man whose daughter was injured in the shooting. His was a positive response, despite the obvious pain and anger he was confronting. He made a comment about the impact that one man can have on thousands of lives. He was, of course, referring to the tragic effects of the shooting on the lives lost and the impact on the injured, the community, and the families of those killed and injured. It got me thinking though.
This was an act of pure evil. Evil, however, does not beget evil. Though the shooter affected thousands of lives quite negatively. The community and the people affected have risen to the occasion. I believe that good begets good. Love always wins.
If each who is affected by this—or any tragedy—can turn it toward positively impacting others, the good that comes is magnified far more than the evil. If the evil action of one can affect thousands, it can be expected that any good action can affect many (thousands, perhaps). More importantly the good of one has a multiplying effect that is (hopefully) not the case of the evil act.
In response to the evil in the world, let us choose to do good to one another. Let’s be supportive and caring.
Carpe momento!
“We shall never know all the good that a simple smile can do.”–Mother Teresa