“Homegrown Extremism” – President Obama

Really, it is difficult to argue a more stable and consistent response to a tragedy that confuses and impacts our lives as a nation. We did or did not know people directly. We did respond with our own theories and convictions of the reason for this tragedy. We were not there, so we didn’t experience first hand the true terror of this tragedy. We did in our own personal and private manner, experience the grief and pain of this tragedy. No one can question that. So now do we react? Or do we take pause – again – and begin to formulate a plan.

The only act we can do today is attempt to resonate a dialogue that helps – maybe not in this election cycle (a ludicrous reason), maybe not in this month, perhaps not this decade – continue the healing nature of recognizing how the human condition comes in a primary form far before the material gains of a party or biased way of thinking.

I choose personal faith, the serenity prayer, and hope –

(God) Grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, courage to change the things I can, wisdom to know the difference.

-the parenthesis are purposeful-

or perhaps this works instead …

Desiderata

Go placidly amid the noise and haste,
and remember what peace there may be in silence.
As far as possible without surrender
be on good terms with all persons.
Speak your truth quietly and clearly;
and listen to others,
even the dull and the ignorant;
they too have their story.

Avoid loud and aggressive persons,
they are vexations to the spirit.
If you compare yourself with others,
you may become vain and bitter;
for always there will be greater and lesser persons than yourself.
Enjoy your achievements as well as your plans.

Keep interested in your own career, however humble;
it is a real possession in the changing fortunes of time.
Exercise caution in your business affairs;
for the world is full of trickery.
But let this not blind you to what virtue there is;
many persons strive for high ideals;
and everywhere life is full of heroism.

Be yourself.
Especially, do not feign affection.
Neither be cynical about love;
for in the face of all aridity and disenchantment
it is as perennial as the grass.

Take kindly the counsel of the years,
gracefully surrendering the things of youth.
Nurture strength of spirit to shield you in sudden misfortune.
But do not distress yourself with dark imaginings.
Many fears are born of fatigue and loneliness.
Beyond a wholesome discipline,
be gentle with yourself.

You are a child of the universe,
no less than the trees and the stars;
you have a right to be here.
And whether or not it is clear to you,
no doubt the universe is unfolding as it should.

Therefore be at peace with God,
whatever you conceive Him to be,
and whatever your labors and aspirations,
in the noisy confusion of life keep peace with your soul.

With all its sham, drudgery, and broken dreams,
it is still a beautiful world.
Be cheerful.
Strive to be happy.

Max Ehrmann, Desiderata, Copyright 1952

… finally, one of my mother’s favorite …

War Is Not Healthy For Children And Other Living Things – Lorriane Schneider