Yesterday, I went to school. I almost fell asleep for a few classes; I battled a few questions about how I get my protein; I biked home, had this snack, went out to eat with my family for my mother's birthday... And then I found out about all of yesterday's tragedies.

Yesterday, November 13, 2015, Paris was attacked by terrorists. Japan's 7.0 earthquake dropped. A funeral in Lebanon was bombed.

And here I am, cozy in my room with the heater turned on, reclining in a beanbag... Entitled to my first-world sense of safety. I complain about getting an education and the work involved. I think that my biggest problem is choosing which university is the biggest accomplishment. I am overwhelmed by all the knowledge that I am privileged to learn.


Here I am, complaining about my privilege, and out there are others that are suffering.

The death toll of Paris could be over 150. It hurts my heart that things like these happen. It breaks my reservoir of emotions, and I simply don't understand why people could think that hurting and killing and murdering is a good idea. I cannot begin to guess at what goes on in these people's heads, if they know the consequences of their actions.. Or if somehow their beliefs have indoctrinated them to think these actions necessary for the greater good. Just know that these people do not represent any population, religion, or sect. Perpetrators of violence only speak for themselves with actions like these. Yet, we know not why they do these things, we cannot comprehend... It's simply a mystery left to God.


Here I am, knowing now to be grateful for problems as safe as mine. Here I am, earnestly praying because I do not know how to begin to guess at what the reason could be behind this violence. Here I am, enlisting God to give His mercy to those suffering in every corner of the world today. Here I am, asking God why on Earth would this happen. What part of His Greater Plan is this? Here I am, hurting for those hurt, and hoping that the hurt is soon soothed by comfort and relieved by joy.


Recipe: Vegan Sourbread Slices
Toast lightly. Spread hummus thickly. Top with sliced cucumbers and tomatoes. Sprinkle pomegranate arils over. Eat.