001: Can I Offer You A Hot Beverage?

- Sheldon Lee Cooper, Ph.D., Sc.D.

Events of yesterday, the third and last Friday the 13th of 2015, has been circling the internet and causing reactions from every form of social media. This post isn't an analyzation of what could have possibly been inside those terrorists' head nor a speculative and science-y post about that 7.0 earthquake nor a hate post on ISIS. This is about how I feel about what's happening. And how much I need a hot beverage because the world doesn't stop because of these worldwide issues.

I've never really had a strong involvement on issues such as the shootings in Paris and the suicide bombings in Baghadad. I kept myself informed of what happened and of course I would take a moment to whisper a silent prayer, but I've never really reacted on social media. I thought these were the issues where unity can be found in silence and just working together, not ranting or finding fault or looking for someone or something to blame.

Usually, I read up on articles, find a way to help, pray, and that was the extent of it. I carry on with my life. This morning, I went on to Twitter only to find people bickering about the issues. Someone was attacking another for blaming all of the Islams for the suicide bombings. Someone was being bashed because he brushed off the deaths in Paris because he claimed to have more problems with his life such as getting a certain band's album on top of the charts.

Those are bound to get negative reactions, of course, and I can't blame those who attack and bash, but this is also a complication I want to talk about in this post. Death is never just death. Those people who died had lives and people who loved them and jobs and families and plans for their future.

But just because these people died, does not mean we have to stop living. You can still listen to your favorite band's new album and talk about how excited you are to see your grandparents this weekend. I know that sounded a little mean to some, but hear me out. Of course we pray for those who lost their loved ones to stay strong and we help by doing as much as we can. Not everyone (not anyone) can fly to Paris, Japan, or Baghdad, stop the bad people, and save the day. You may think that we can only do so little, but that is not true.

See, this is how I see it. We have to learn from these past experiences. We don't dwell in them, we learn from them. You can't be sad about Paris, Baghdad, or Japan forever. You have to keep moving because like it or not, the world is going to keep moving. Take that as an opportunity to do good. If you think the world is becoming too evil, then do something good today, right now. Add up to the good in this world.

This is the opportunity you have for being alive. Numerous people in those aforementioned places risked their lives to save others. If that is beyond your reach, that doesn't mean you can't do any more good. Because you can. No matter how small, do good.

We're all people, we're all imperfect. We have our ups and our downs. Sometimes we lose faith in our own kind because of worldwide issues and happenings, but we can make a change.

#PrayforJapan

#PrayforBaghdad

#PrayforParis

#StayStrongEarthlings