I never really know how to address world events on this blog – a place where I regularly fangirl about boy bands and YA novels. I do occasionally take a more serious tone, but rarely do I comment on current tragedies. This is only exacerbated by the fact that I’ve never been to Paris, I don’t know anyone in Paris, and I have no direct connection to what they’re going through.
But then I think: that’s exactly what makes my participation so meaningful. When people who have no emotional connection to tragedy decide to empathize anyway – that’s beautiful.
I love living in a global community, where the pain of one country is felt by all. I hope that, in the midst of their heartache, Parisians will know that the rest of the world is hurting with them, and that maybe that will give them a taste of hope.
I am so impressed by the courage of Parisians who will continue to live their lives, going to work and playing with their children and walking the streets. “Not Afraid.” That’s a bold declaration that terror will not win. Life goes on, and we demand that it will go on.
Maybe I do have a personal stake here. Because I’ve already read a post on Facebook saying that terror attacks will only continue in Europe because of ISIS members sneaking in amongst refugees. And sure, maybe that’s true. But I like to think the answer to that can also be, “Not afraid.” We will not let terror win. We will not let the fear of violence stop us from helping those in need.
Terror attacks are designed to make us huddle into ourselves, to strengthen us vs. them lines, and to close off compassion. Perhaps instead, we can bravely choose to do the opposite, to widen our arms’ embrace and reach out. We are not afraid…to live, or to love.
There is no fear in love. But perfect love drives out fear.
1 John 4:18
It Is Trish 
Praying for Paris 😭😭
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I know exactly how you feel. Big events like this can feel so emotionally removed because they are physically far away. Sometimes I don’t know if I feel emotional about it because I feel like I should, or because I genuinely am concerned.
But then I think about how scared I would be if I were there. How hard it would be to even consider going out myself—let alone my family and friends.
And maybe thats concieted of me, thinking I can simply imagine my way into their position. But it’s the only way I can only hope to understand when I live nine timezones over. And it works.
Paris, you are brave.
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Yes, exactly. Is the emotion genuine or simply being swept up? In the end, I don’t think it matters. Paris deserves our thoughts, prayers, and love, regardless of the motivation.
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