Activism

I’m sitting here this morning, checking out Facebook, and thinking about what is on my schedule today.

On Facebook I read a question from radio host Bobby Bones asking listeners what they think about this situation:  Radio Amy picked her son up from a Sunday School class this past Sunday morning and her son was playing a video game where he shoots people.  The class had ended but there was a video game set up in the room.  Bobby asked if Amy had the right to be disturbed by it.   I answered it online – from my heart – and I said I felt we had an atmosphere in our country right now about guns that I think needs to change. That we need to intentionally make sure we do not glorify gun use.  I felt a video game  that shoots people has no place in a church.    Well you can guess – I immediately had about 6 or 7 people respond back to me. They said the usual answers: “ I teach my children how to care for guns”. “ I love to play violent video games but it does not make me violent”.  “Who are you to tell me what to do with my guns?” ”Class was over – let kids play.”    I immediately felt attacked, and really, it is nothing new.  I put myself out there and speak things people don’t always want to hear.  And, I get it:   Due to everything happening daily in our country (the mass shootings, accidental shootings, suicides, spousal threats), gun owners feel threatened and are very afraid that their guns will be taken away.

Today I am going to participate in a local march/walk happening at noon to support the need for gun reform in our country.   The march is happening one day before the new school year starts.   A local high school student (yes a student!!)  has organized the event because she is afraid of guns in her school, and in her community.   Wow!  I am really proud of this young person for stepping forward and doing something!   I applause her and I will support her.     I hope there will be a good turnout – but I am a bit doubtful that there will be.   But, small numbers are better than no numbers.

Yesterday, in my church Quilting group, I mentioned the march happening today – and that I was going to participate.   I said that if anyone wanted to join me…. I would love it.   Crickets.   Nobody said anything.  The subject quickly dropped.   Okay, the quilters are older ladies, and in their defense they are ‘doers’ because they meet each week and put together quilt and blankets for the needy.

So, here is why I am posting this morning:   We need more activism!    Not just about the gun issue (but it is an important issue)  – but about EVERYTHING!   What are we afraid of? Why do people stay quiet, and stay afraid to express themselves?   How come we allow injustices to happen and we don’t speak out?

I gotta say, it really frustrates me!    Maybe I just don’t have as much self control as some people.  Maybe that is it.   I use blogging to speak out – and I use my voice when I can.  I am all for showing up at a march!  I will have a sign in my hand!

Sometimes I just have to DO SOMETHING!

Activism is not a dirty word.  It doesn’t cost anything.  It means I care. It means I don’t want the ‘status quo’ to be acceptable. It means people in power need to know that they have a responsibility.    I want to make life better – for me and others, people I know and love AND strangers.    I feel I have been put on this earth to make a difference.    I want a safe, peaceful life for me – and for others.   I want everyone to have equal opportunities.

So…

I will act.   I will act respectfully.  I will speak out tho.

I will be an activist.

Come join me!!