The Star - News, views and advertising of the Grand Coulee Dam Area

I woke up Monday morning and my heart broke. I watched the video and sat in awe once again. A shooting in Las Vegas, 59 dead, hundreds injured and the shooter took his own life. It became obvious as the details emerged that this was a planned-out massacre and murder of many. The why is not known at the time of writing, but with investigation that may emerge also. Is this what America has come to? Violence and unnecessary death fed to us on a daily score sheet. Arguments over the little and big that end up destroying sons, daughters, mothers, fathers and friends.

It reminded me of the morning of 9/11/2001. But then we knew our enemy. This time we are having a hard time even connecting the dots of how this disturbed individual could get to this point of hurting so many over, well, we don’t even know yet. But the fact remains our hearts went into mourning and, for some, into hero mode. The stories emerged from the carnage. Stories of heroes throwing their bodies over others, of musicians telling their fans to take cover, of officers guiding the fearful to safety, of a security guard, of people standing in line for hours to give blood, and many others.

I had people I knew in Vegas at the time. There were even a few locals at that very concert. Their stories will come as time goes by and they share. But I cannot help but think of them. What if? An anger grows deep within for the senselessness of it all. I have a hard time pulling the trigger on an deer or elk that I have hunted for a long time. I know the devastation that it causes an animal, but that is for food. I cannot imagine the mindset of being behind a high-powered weapon, knowing the pain you are about to inflict. This is the mind of a monster or of the sick. It is out of a horror movie, and we seem to be living those out in our country these days.

It did not take long for some to take political stances, for some to claim responsibility as a terrorist motive (that was found false within moments). Instead of pointing fingers and playing some kind of board game where we look for winners and losers, why can’t we just mourn? Stop with the political garbage and be hurt, be like one of the heroes standing in line to give blood, donate to a cause that will help, pray for the families of all involved.

Be thankful that we still live in a free America. Because the way the world is heading, our freedoms could be slipping through our fingers. We need to each take integrity to the next level. Be part of the solution and not part of the problem. I don’t believe that problem will be solved in a government office or a voting booth either. It will be solved on our knees. Asking for forgiveness and seeking guidance. We have fought against the resistance of our country’s foundation for too long. We need to submit to the authority that saved us all and walk in the light that has already won the war.

Continue praying for Vegas, Freeman School District, our government, and those hurt around the world by those who are hurting. On our knees has never meant so much.