Thoughts & Prayers

The hidden and overlooked potential of simply thinking and praying.

When an active shooting of any kind happens, we freeze. 

There are no words that can fill the void of lost innocent human lives, especially taken in such unexpected and violent ways. 

The gravity of the brutality, the loss, the shock, and the fear are overwhelming.

It’s no wonder that in our humanity, we often rely on common, short condolences, such as offering our thoughts and prayers. Someone has to break the silence, and we should give those first few public officials grace in their remarks.

I think thoughts and prayers have been misunderstood as an empty phrase today, and we should instead view them as a missed opportunity. 

We hear this phrase, but the breaking news loop hypnotizes us. Who did it? What was the motive? How many were killed? Which political party will this point to? 

Everyone asks, “Why hasn’t anyone taken action to fix this?” but why doesn't anyone ask, “Why haven’t I taken action to fix this?”

Hearing thoughts and prayers, but not doing them = no change.

Hearing thoughts and prayers and doing them = change.

How?

With Merriam-Webster's help, let’s define thoughts, prayers, and action.  

A thought is… 

reasoning power, and

the power to imagine

a developed intention or plan

A prayer is…

an address (such as a petition) to God in word or thought, an earnest request or wish

An action is…

an act of will, the accomplishment of a thing usually over a period of time, in stages, or with the possibility of repetition

Thoughts + Prayers = Action

Thoughts and prayers are like a powerful internal think tank, inspiring us towards solutions and acts of compassion.

What could we be inspired to do? Maybe things like…

Send a card

Organize a vigil

Start a petition

Vote

Volunteer

Babysit

Mentor a teen

Notice a problem

Listen

Paint a mural

Offer expertise

Give a hug

Attend a service

Start a non-profit

Help clean up

Fundraise

Be a crossing guard

Smile

Research

Join a security team

Develop a plan

Create a fundraiser

Encourage

Write a book

Donate

Build community 

Read to kids

There may be no quick fixes to the violence in our society, but if everybody took a moment for thoughts and prayers and acted even in the smallest way, I believe the potential would be monumental!

As Albert Einstein says, “Insanity is doing the same thing over and over and expecting different results.” So, hey…let’s try something different! Let’s stop the news feed and let’s “do” thoughts and prayers. 

I'm curious to see what actions we will be moved to take!