“Pain nourishes courage. You can’t be brave if you’ve only had wonderful things happen to you.” – Mary Tyler Moore
As I sit down to write this post, one that should be a holiday offering to all of my friends perpetuating the supposed joy and peace of the season, I am still struggling with attempts to wrap my mind around the recent devastation that took place in Newtown, CT.
Approaching the holidays in the wake of this tragedy, individuals across the country are grappling for direction. We’ve raised debates around gun control and started conversations related to improving mental healthcare, and rightfully so. These are appropriate discussions to have. However, when the voices of debate have silenced, many of us are left in the same place of wondering: Where do we go from here?
With the new year upon us, and more than enough tragedy taking place around us, I’d like to issue a challenge. My challenge to us all is to allow the pain of the recent events to nourish our courage and act as motivators for change. It has become abundantly clear that our society is poised for a change. I encourage you to allow this tragedy to ignite a passion within that will lead you to pursue and advocate for this change. I believe this is the best way to honor the lives that were cut far too short.
As our country continues to mourn, feeling deeply the loss of 28 precious lives, we pause and cling closer to our own loved ones. That is as it should be. But as we look up and look forward to the coming year, I hope that we each will seek a spirit of courage. Instead of letting this tragedy paralyze us with fear, let us move forward bravely, boldly… and be the change we wish to see in the world.
– Clifford A. Bailey
speaker, advocate for change