The Weekday Ramble is a daily dose of sports, music, culture, and more from Rambling On founder Erik Ritland. For more information check us out on Reddit, Twitter, Facebook, or at our website.
Thursday June 18, 2015
An initial reflection on today’s shooting in Charleston, South Carolina.
An approach
When tragedies happen words become strangely, and instantly, insufficient. When nine people are maliciously killed in a church there’s nothing you can say to make it better.
The only rational response is to submit yourself to the moment. Allow those directly affected to grieve. They will go to who they love and trust for the comfort that they need. If the tragedy is personal – say, a friend loses a loved one – be there for them, love them, and give them whatever comfort you’ve been graced to be able to give.
Just know that nothing will be sufficient, especially close to the time it happens. Let them grieve. Give it time. Be supportive.
Times of trouble
In light of a national tragedy like this it’s important to practice compassion. Give those affected time to grieve. Have them and their hardships in your prayers and on your mind. Remember foremost what they’re going through. That is what matters most.
The worst thing a person can do is make it instantly political. There will be time to consider the political ramifications and how we can move forward so tragedies like this don’t happen anymore.
But for now, let us mourn. It is callous, selfish, and unloving to do anything else.
Erik Ritland is a writer and musician from St. Paul, Minnesota. His blog and podcast Rambling On features commentary on music, sports, culture, and more. He was also Lead Staff Writer for Minnesota culture blog Curious North. Support Erik's music via his Patreon account, reach him via email, or find him on Facebook and Twitter.
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