Why does it seem we care more about others farther away than those in our own community? Ten people died in a college shooting this past week. Everyone had something to say about it from politicians to the 
media to the guy next door. Yet, people are shot everyday in our own cities, and no one seems to want to do anything about that.
When something tragic happens on a large scale, we yell and scream at our government to fix it, yet we are not willing to do anything when the same tragedy occurs on a smaller scale. We have a tendency to be less concerned for those who die daily from the same type of violence.
I think a lot of that has to do with being fearful. After all, what are the chances someone is going to do a drive-by shooting in your neighborhood? But a couple of teenagers shooting up a mall or a school takes away our sense of security. It becomes more about our own safety.
Philippians 2:4 states, Don’t look out only for your own interests, but take an interest in others, too. We need to be just as concerned about the guy next door as we are a gunman across the country.
Too often we give a sigh of relief when we realize it didn’t happen to anyone we know. But it could. We need to be aware of what is going on in our own neighborhoods, especially when it comes to those who are hurting and mentally ill.
The following are five things everyone should be aware of when it comes to their friends or neighbors. If you see someone with any of these symptoms, try to get them the help they need:
- Confused thinking;
- Excessive fears or anxiety;
- Social withdrawal;
- Strong feelings of anger;
- Inability to cope with daily problems.
As you can see from the above list, most mass murderers fall under several of these categories. We also need to keep track of what’s being said online. A lot of these killers start to show their anger before they act. Don’t be afraid to let authorities know.
Too often people are aware of the strange kid down the street, but don’t do anything about it. If nothing else pray. Pray for the safety of the community, pray for the person who seems to be having issues. And pray that someone close to that person can actually find a way to help before it’s too late and we have another national tragedy on our hands.
If you or someone you know are in need of prayer this week, please leave a comment. We’d be more than happy to pray for you.
And if this post moved you in some way, please feel free to share it.
Donna – who lost her husband a year ago to cancer has just been diagnosed with an aggressive form of breast cancer. Please add her to your prayer list.
You got it, Skye. Thanks for letting me know.