Sadness. Horror. In Texas. In Buffalo. In Too Many Places

Horrific. This can’t be happening again. Unbelievable. But tragically all too believable. Incredible sadness for the world we are in and the one are children are aging into. Concern for everyone in our lives the moment they leave our side.

I am sure we all had our own range of emotions after hearing the awful news from Texas on Tuesday. These were some of mine. Less than two weeks after a horrific shooting in Buffalo, here we are again. Children, in their last week of school, ready for the excitement and joy of summer, taken from us. We grieve. We may pray. Some may imagine, as Rabbi Rick Jacobs commented in response to an earlier school shooting, a higher power “sobbing with us, distraught over the senseless bloodshed we’ve collectively allowed to happen.”

There are no answers, but caring for each other is desperately needed now. Let’s come together as a community and support each other. We each may need space to express our own feelings, our own anger, our own sorrow. In our personal lives, make sure you hug the people in your life a little tighter. Tell them you love them an extra time. No one can feel too comforted and we all need a little more comforting today. Don’t wait for people to ask for an extra hug. Surround them with love and let them know you are never letting go.

I know we can feel despondent on days like today but the work we do every day at WJCS has purpose and is directed to creating a better world. What we all do matters. We need to take action on a national level to address this horrible violence that no other country experiences. I hope that everyone who works at WJCS and other mission-based human service organizations recognizes that our presence, support, and encouragement help so many as they face each day. Never doubt it is a better world because of you.

Below are links to articles and resources that offer guidance for how to help children cope with frightening news. 
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