01/25/2026
Today I was sitting at my table, and I saw it.
The video.
A man stepped in to defend a woman who was being pushed. He did what felt instinctive — what felt right. And in moments, he was kicked, hit, shoved to the ground, and then shot multiple times. And then he just laid there.
And I broke.
I cried for him. I cried for how quickly a life can be taken. I cried because we are here now — in a world where this happens, where it isn’t stopped, where it feels justified, excused, and even promoted. My heart felt shattered by the weight of it all.
My kids noticed immediately. They came to me asking why I was crying, what was wrong, what happened. They’re only 8 and 12. I didn’t want to hand them this heaviness. I don’t want them growing up believing this kind of violence is normal or acceptable.
So instead of fear, we chose prayer.
We prayed for the man who lost his life. We prayed for his family and the unbearable pain they now carry. We prayed for strength — to always stand up for what’s right, to be a light in a dark world, to protect those who are being hurt, abused, attacked, or lied to.
We prayed for unity.
We prayed for people to come together and recognize that this is not the way.
We prayed for hearts to soften and for humanity to remember itself.
We prayed because we need each other.
Because no one is better than anyone else.
Because love, courage, and compassion still matter — even when the world feels broken.
Tonight my heart is heavy, but it is still open. And I hope that means something.
I hope that means we can change.
Things we can do now:
-call our representatives immediately and voice our concerns.
-extend love to those feeling afraid and marginalized.
-be willing to listen and admit when we may be wrong/misled.
-try to put yourself in their shoes.
Let’s please stop this together.