Where do we go from here? As a concerned parent, I struggle with my emotions related to the constant gun violence within our schools around the country. I thought a school was supposed to be a safe place for our children to learn, to dream, to imagine, and to grow friendships. However, every time I watch the evening news, there seems to be yet another tragedy plaguing our hearts, another story of senseless violence toward our children. Unfortunately, our children are no longer safe when they attend school because people are violating this safe zone to terrorize and murder innocent people for their own selfish gratification. What makes matters worse, is these stories seem to be the norm in our communities…in our cities…in our states…all over the United States of America! Our elected politicians only want to discuss this issue when there is another school shooting that takes place. Do you notice this trend too? Quite frankly, one death should be too many! Every American should be outraged at how our politicians are handling these kind of life changing events. These tragedies can happen anywhere. The next time it may be a school in your area, just a thought.

Where do we go from here? I honestly think that we need to discuss the root of the problem, in my opinion…MENTAL HEALTH! I don’t know about you, but I hear mental health come up in every last one of these mass shooting stories. As I look at the mental health programs in our community, or the lack there of, mental health is the first program to have funding cut and our politicians always choose to close the mental health facilities. I often wonder where people go that need this mental health resource? Unfortunately, these people have to deal with their own personal issues and they live right in the midst of our neighborhoods. We will never solve the gun violence as a whole because we do not have control of every person that owns or gets a gun in their possession, but we could make an attempt to reduce the number of casualties and/or school shooting events around the United States of America if we only had courage to do so, just a thought.

Where do we go from here? Well, I feel that we should go back to the basics: love, family unit, and prayer. This is truly my inspirational twist to such a serious problem that exists everywhere in the United States of America. First, where is the love and compassion for one another throughout our communities? I was taught that charity begins at home. We have to teach our children to love themselves so they will be able to love others. Also, we have to teach our children how to respect themselves as well as others, and their property. Remember, we cannot be afraid to correct our children when they are wrong. We must continue to embrace them with love and nurture them to the fullest. Second, where is the strong family unit? I remember the saying “a family that prays together, stays together”. When was the last time your family prayed together? When was the last time you sat down and talked with your child and/or a young person? Communication is very important and don’t under estimate our children. Remember, our children are little people that exists in a cruel and harsh world. Third, when do we pray together besides in church? Personally, I think we should put prayer back into our schools so that our children could have a spiritual covering throughout their day, but that’s my opinion. There is so much confusion and chaos within our schools and It seems to be getting worse, not better. After all, our children spend a great deal of time in school, so we need to give them hope again by offering a more positive and safe educational environment.

We don’t have control of gun violence, but we should have control of our households. Strive to meet the need of anyone, young or old, that may be suffering from mental health issues. Don’t just turn a blind eye to the situation. Do the right thing and find some help in your local community. If you are unable to find the services, contact your state or county and demand services be provided. Don’t forget your child’s school as well. The school may have mental health contacts to provide to families too. Finally, let’s begin sending letters and making phone calls to our politicians. I believe our children are worth it. After all, they are the future for tomorrow, right? I would love to hear your opinion about this matter. Please leave a comment so we can discuss this very important topic on a positive platform.