I had another post planned for today but as I sit here tonight (writing this Wednesday night) after the horrendous events of the day in Paris, I can’t help but know that this post is important to write and one that I feel is immensely due considering my love for the French capital. It’s no secret on this blog that I adore Paris and France in general and in my love for it, my heart goes out to everyone there, everyone involved, everyone that’s outraged, everyone that is completely broken hearted. I too am broken hearted because once again our world is rocked with violence and ignorance and completely senseless horrors. Once again we are brought to our knees, once again blood is spilled in our cities, once again the horrific beliefs and acts of a small minority in our world cause hurt in the majorities. Once again our safety is tested, once again our strength is tested, once again we are forced to ask why and how can these such atrocious acts happen in our current world?
Terrorists today have the power to take a moment from us, to do incredible harm and to lash out at a world they don’t have any right to occupy any part of, but what they cannot take from us is our faith, our resolve, our morals, our rights, our belief in a better world, in a world that someday might exist, in a world where senseless violence does not occur, a world where the next generation might not know bigotry, where they might not know hate.
I have seen hundreds of pictures on this story as news has trickled in, but perhaps the most moving are the crowds gathering all over the world to stand up against this horrendous act. Thousands of people, from different countries, different parts of the world, people that didn’t know the victims, but people that have banded together to hold up signs proclaiming “Je Suis Charlie,” the hashtag that has swept the internet in solidarity of this tragic event. 3 gunmen committed heinous crimes in Paris on Wednesday morning, but thousands and thousands of people have rallied against them, thousands have answered the call to come together, to tell the world that this is not alright, that this cannot keep happening. These 3 gunmen, just like their leaders and followers are, they are a small, tiny and cowardly percentage of the world and what we must remember today and always is that we as humans have incredible power to come together, to fight to save our world from violence and hate and ignorance. We have the power to come together, just like so many have come together to show support for Paris in their time of need, to change this world we call home, to promote love and understanding and build a better society than the one we have inherited.
And so I will close with prayers and thoughts sent toward Paris, toward France and to all those immediately affected by this horrible crime. But I also will send my prayers and thoughts to humanity, that we may find a better way, that we may find the power in coming together, the power in fighting for a better world. May Paris find a way to heal tonight and may everyone across the world know we stand with them, Je Suis Charlie.
Macy Gutermuth says
This is such a scary and tragic time for this world. My best friend lives blocks from the shooting, luckily she was at work several miles away when this happened. As humans, we need to do better.
Casey says
So scary! It is so true, we really need to do better.
Andrea says
Sending my thoughts and prayers as well
Casey says
So glad!
Sara Rose says
I think the importance of free speech isn’t something we bloggers think about much because it feels natural and right to speak our minds. Yet when something like this happens it truly shakes me to the core. My thoughts and prayers go out to everyone affected by this horrible act.
Casey says
Totally. It’s something we don’t even think about, but when it’s tested, it really is so important.
Alexandra @ Team Starnes says
Terrible. Just terrible. And infuriating. When will the madness end??!
Casey says
I know! We just really need to find a way to create a world where this does not happen!
Katie @ Beyond the Clothing says
It’s definitely a subject worth talking about today. I really dislike that our joy and humor can be stifled by events like this. Thank you for sharing your thought. That being said the creative responses as a result remind me why we write, and continue to write. When everyone from Banksy to The Independent responds it reminds us of the world-wide creative community we are lucky to be a part of. Je Suis Charlie.
Casey says
Totally. That’s such a great point and as bloggers we are particularly part of that community and it’s important that we talk about it.
KC Saling says
I don’t think there’s any more important freedom than the freedom of expression, and it’s absolutely horrifying that there are people out there who think they have the right to use violence not only against those who have offended them but to try to intimidate others into relinquishing their right to speech. My thoughts are with the families of those impacted and the people of Paris, and with all those who believe in free expression, that we all hold tight to the courage to speak.
Casey says
So true. We have to stand by the building blocks of our society and fight against those who would try to take that away.
Jenn says
<3
Julie @ Artwork by JM says
Absolutely horrible. My heart broke when I read the news stories online. Just terrible. Thank you for sharing your thoughts. My heart goes out to the families of those killed or hurt <3
Casey says
It really is just terrible.