More than a Post
Like many of us, I’ve been watching the news and reading articles about the shootings in El Paso, TX and Dayton, OH. I have many reactions and emotions as I’ve read about the latest mass shooting. I’m angry at the gunman. Broken-hearted for the victims and their families. Confused and conflicted about what to do.
But as these shootings continue to happen I’ve noticed a rather frustrating trend... a mass shooting occurs and then everyone heads to Facebook for a good ole rant and argument.
While this is a good way to to get over 100 comments, it’s ABSOLUTELY USELESS. In this social media climate we abdicate personal responsibility and boil down our duties to a Facebook post. We have plenty of social media heroes and keyboard politicians, but few people actually willing to do something.
Let's be honest - all your Facebook rant does is start an argument. No victim is helped. No one less likely to be a victim in the future. You feel better, you know which of your friends agree with you and you get to block or delete the ones you disagree with. While that’s a great strategy to clean up your friend list, it’s a pitiful way to make a difference.
Forgive my sarcasm and brashness. This is a frustrating trend and it needs to stop. Below I’ve outlined 5 things you can do TODAY that are far more helpful than your post. You and I can do more than make a post. We can do better.
#1 Donate to a cause.
I don’t care where you stand on the political spectrum of gun rights and gun laws. I personally think it’s a complex issue that will need multiple solutions. But, here’s what’s better than a post. Donate to someone who’s actually helping. Donate to help the victims. Donate to someone who’s making a difference. My company, Dot Media, just made a donation to The American Red Cross who is sending help to El Paso and Dayton.
#2 Give blood.
During tragedies, blood banks need blood. I gave blood a few weeks ago and will give again in a few weeks. Come on, let’s stop the rants and start helping.
#3 Pray.
As a Christian, I believe in the power of prayer. I’ve seen prayer change my life and help so many people. One prayer is more helpful and more powerful than 100 posts. Here’s how I’m praying and how you can pray too… Pray that God would comfort those who have lost loved ones. Pray that God would work swiftly through our first responders. Pray for the medical and hospital staff to save the lives of the wounded. Pray for government officials to have wisdom and come up with solutions to prevent these tragedies from happening in the future. Praying > Posting.
#4 Contact elected officials.
Better than you writing your opinion on Facebook is writing your opinion to your federal and state legislators. They have the ability to help change laws, and you have the ability to make a difference in their vote. Find out how you can contact your local representatives by going HERE.
#5 Help lead people to a relationship with Jesus.
I put this last, but I think this is the only real solution to the hate and violence that is behind these shootings. As a person comes to faith in Jesus, scripture says that person is given a new heart with new and right desires. Tragedies like these push me more and more into the mission of reaching people for Christ. There’s so many ways you can help lead people to Jesus. You can pray for those far from God. You can serve at your church where God’s word is preached and lives are changed. You can share the Gospel with someone. At the end of the day, we need more people with new hearts! That’s how we turn the tide on violence and hate!
Final thoughts. Many of us want to do something and that’s why we post. I get that. My challenge to you is to not settle for such a low bar. Step up. Make a difference. We can see culture change. But it’s going to require more than a post.