On December 14, 2012 I wrote this very same story. 
How can it be that in one year later, history repeats itself so precisely. The only saving grace is that December 13, 2013 did not take as many lives as were wasted at Sandy Hook Elementary, Newtown, Connecticut. Oh how I yearn for the days when you sent your kids to school and you were reasonably sure they would come home at the end of the day. I can not imagine having to live with the thought that I might not ever see them alive again. How can we be proud as a species when this is the outcome of so many social and materialistic errors.
Social because some young people have grown up without developing empathy for others. Materialistic because possessions have become the main focus of many people. I believe it goes hand in hand. Things trump people, and that is a terrible thing. Things like electronic gadgets, huge houses, luxurious living, expensive clothes.
I remember listening to Joseph Campbell saying that when society does not have heroes it is destined for bad things. When the word "Thou" is replaced with "You" it relegates people to a lesser role. And then one step further, when people become an "It" rather than a "You" we are apt to see some terrible actions. Childen that torture animals is a good example. There is no feeling for another living creature in that sort of act. A fetus in the womb is easier to kill if it is called an "It" rather than a "You".
I pray that our civilization finds a REAL hero, REAL soon. I look around and don't see any on the horizon, but may the Lord send us one. I am nearing the end of my mortal life, and I have memories of a different time. Not an easier time, but a more honest time. I am one of the lucky ones and I am so grateful for that. I can't change society, no one person can. But I can enjoy my memories and pray that the young people now will find something to remember other than things like December 13, 2013 at Arapahoe High School in Littleton, Colorado.
We are in deep trouble and I pray to God (or whatever higher power you pray to) to help us and save us from ourselves. Patj
No comments:
Post a Comment