Hope is not enough to change the world, to bring peace, to end starvation and poverty, to provide a decent education for all children, or to prevent nuclear holocaust. Yet it is a critical starting point for building a better and brighter future. All of us are challenged to connect hope to action until we have created a mighty river that will carve a new path to the future. ~David KriegerBefore I publish this week's Wonderful Wednesday post, I feel the need to say a few words regarding the latest tragedy that has befallen us. It is very hard to celebrate amidst the chaos going on in our world. For the last several years, I have to hold my breath and hope and pray that another tragic event doesn't happen during the week of my birthday. Needless to say, another one has hit and more people are dead as a result.
The trend seems to have started with the terrible events that occurred in Waco, Texas so many years ago in 1993. Can you believe it will be 20 years on April 19th since Waco? This event ended in the deaths of over 75 people. Then two years later, 168 more people lose their lives and 680 were injured in the devastating events surrounding the Oklahoma City bombings. I cried on and off for days over that one. On April 20th, 1999 we saw the first of what has begun a series of terrible school shootings all beginning in Columbine. 12 more people no longer in this world because of the senselessness of what seems to have started because of bullying. Then, April 16th in 2007 we experience the unimaginable killing spree which resulted in another 32 people dying for no sensible reason at all with the Virginia Tech shootings. We had gone six whole years without some terrible event occuring during the third week of April. I was so hopeful. Then some terrorist has to try and prove something to the world and three more people are gone, one a child, and so many injured just like that. There is wide speculation as to what it is about this time of year that draws out so much evil but I guess we'll never really know what propels people to do such horrendous acts.
Now please know that I am aware that the world doesn't revolve around me and my birthday, it would just be nice not to have to spill many, many tears during a time when it would be nice to celebrate. All I can do is pray for those people involved and hope for a more peaceful world. I believe it is appropriate to once again introduce one of my older quotes. The sentiment is certainly appropriate for this time.
Nikki from Melonheadz has created a beautiful image in tribute of this latest tragedy. Do go check it out when you have the chance. You can find it HERE.
References:
Escobedo, Tricia . (2011). What is it about mid-April and violence in America?. Available: http://www.cnn.com/2011/US/04/19/april.attacks.conspiracy/index.html. Last accessed 17th April 1013.
Paul, Mark. (2010). April's Third Week: Time of Tragedy in America. Available: http://voices.yahoo.com/aprils-third-week-time-tragedy-america-5956646.html. Last accessed 17th April 1013.
