I just posted a video last week that said my blog was all about fun and happiness.  I don’t usually write about things going on in the world that make me sad because there are enough other bloggers who do that and do that well.

But after the recent horrific events in Paris, Beirut, Syria and Kenya (from April)  I found myself being drawn into the news media again.  One of the things about our world today is the simple fact that we are connected.  We are so connected that we are aware of tragedies almost in real time.  We get drawn into the coverage and can quickly be sucked into watching every single update and news report.

It is very easy to fall prey to the sadness that can sweep over everyone when something as horrible as the weekend’s events occur.  I am the first to admit that it is hard to not watch the updates.  I want to be informed but it hurts.  It really hurts to watch the pain and suffering.

I have seen so many things in my Facebook news feed and on Twitter that make me realize that sometimes I just need to step back and take a break.  When I begin to feel that the seriousness and the sadness is overtaking me I need to step back and re-evaluate if all of this exposure is healthy.  Sometimes it is important to be a part of the events happening around me but it is also important to remain positive.

If I give into the fear of living life because of the horrible things that happen then I shut down.  I choose to not do that.  I choose to pray for all of those people affected, to lift them up in prayer and to do my bit to make a change in my little corner of the world.   I have hope.  There is always hope.

The events that are publicized that are horrible are not the whole picture.  It is not all bad in our world.  There is so much good.  So I choose to focus on the good.  A story always surfaces during times like this that quotes Fred Rogers.  When he was young his mother told him that in times of great sadness or tragedy he should always look for the helpers.  Those are the people who are jumping in during times of great need. Those are the stories we need to look for and listen to.  Those are the stories that share hope.

So today while I grieve for the people who have suffered so unfairly I also look forward with hope.  Without hope what do we have?  Nothing.  God is good.  He is there. Always.  And because I know that truth I have hope.  I hope you do as well.