A Pensive, Subdued Innkeeper 10/3/17

       I am at a loss for words, saddened by the recent carnage in Las Vegas, Nevada.

      A lone assailant shot people enjoying an open-air concert.  The death tally so far
is 59 people, the greatest toll by a single gunman in U.S. history.  The total will likely increase being that more than five hundred have been wounded, many critically.

      I am angry at the senseless loss of life, upset life in our world con-tinues to take a turn for the worse, for the seamier side of mankind.  And the world has been building a steady stream of vitriol for more than twenty years.

     This crescendo of violence in the U.S. and abroad is a sobering time for us all.

      During this tragedy, I am thankful for the first responders.  I re-spect the Las Vegas police who put their lives on the line, stopping the assassin Sunday night.  Firemen and ambulance personnel providing immediate medical help were heroic, deserving our highest praise.

      My prayers are with the medical teams working on the 500 people wounded during this assault upon society.

       What can help us during this trying, emotionally depleting and traumatic time?  Support, healthy relationships.  Spending time with loved ones heals the soul and gives us courage, hope.

       We were not meant to handle life alone.  We need five good hugs a day to maintain strong emotional health.  For now, let's make it seven.

      During crises, and after surviving one, it helps recognizing the com-monality in our experiences.  Intimacy, talking authentically with others, is healing.  It's an effective way to empty out the stress we feel within.

       During crises, exercising is a ter-rific remedy for frayed emotions.  It is a superb way of channeling the ten-sion and confusion felt when we are emotionally chal-lenged. Even better, is working out with a friend: we are not isolating.

      Dramatic crises are opportunities to draw closer to God, through prayer.  It is good trying to use a prayer journal, recording our conver-sations with God.  This journal lets us express grief during times like now, along with moments of joy during better times.

      A prayer journal helps sort out the buzzsaw of thoughts swirling within us when facing difficult times.  Prayers revive us.  It helps us cope with the tragedies confronting our community, our state, country, and our world.

    Journaling our prayers provides perspective. The difficulties and horrors that bom-bard us reflect the deeds of a handful of people.  The majority of mankind consists of people who are still kind, courteous and helpful.

       Let us remember that.

Some things we can do during somber times like these:
1. Hug someone you love. 
2. Give others a word of encouragement. 
3. Do a deed or two of kindness today.

      Instead of cursing the darkness, these actions let us light a candle of hope for mankind.