Pray for Paris or Pray for the World?

My eyes have been reading all of the news reports and comments on social media about the tragedy in Paris. There are many opinions floating around the internet about whether or not we should #PrayforParis. It’s not the only attack happening in the world right now, after all. What about the people dying in Beirut? How about the Syrians killed in their civil war? Well, what about the 4 people, including children, who died in a shooting in Florida?

These are all tragedies. Are we supposed to mourn them all? Are we supposed to only let it bother us when it’s an act of war, or more than a few people are killed? Are we supposed to pay attention when the tragedy draws global attention? Or when we’re forever changed by the news? What if it’s too much for us to bear?

Here are my thoughts: 

There are no rules as to when you should care. Care a lot and care often.

Don’t let the news take away your will to dream, live or desire to make the world a better place.

Don’t forget about the helpers and the millions of good, caring people there are in the world. Just because horrible things happen doesn’t mean the world is a bad place.

Don’t forget that everyone deserves forgiveness. People aren’t perfect. They are angry, afraid, tormented, sick, trained, brainwashed, in love, sad and many other things that make them make mistakes and do horrible things. We can dislike what they have done and offer forgiveness at the same time. If you do not forgive, you will only hold hatred in your own heart.

Above all else. Do not judge. #PrayforParis isn’t just about Paris. It’s simply a placeholder for all of our hope and love. Just because we are praying for Paris doesn’t mean we aren’t praying for other tragedies as well or that we care any less about other people around the world.

#PrayforParis has gathered worldwide momentum. So let’s use it to spread love and peace. Let’s remember that it actually does mean #PrayfortheWorld. It’s not about the place. It’s about the prayers and the love and the strength we show when we come together.