Love

It’s months like these that prove I can’t plan out thoughts for this blog really (considering I’m rewriting the draft of last night following the London Attacks and now again tonight, whilst listening to One Love Manchester on livestream in Manchester).

It seems like a week doesn’t go by now when evil makes a noticable presence in the world. Bombs, cyber attacks, stabbings and rouge driving – all in the names of various causes. It really is disgusting. As I mentioned in a tweet earlier:

It really feels gloomy and makes you wonder what’s coming next. But I know we must stand strong. We should stand with Manchester, with London and with everyone facing terror in the world right now. As I’m sure many have said throughout the last few weeks, we can’t give in and live in fear – that’s what the twisted evil people that believe this is how to behave want and standing together we should fight for what we live for and what we believe by standing together and carrying on.

The resiliance and response seen in the last few weeks in both cities and the outpouring of support from people all over the globe has been astounding and restored my faith in humanity with the blaring message that regardless of race, religion, gender and political standing, we can stand together and share one love for each other. We might not agree on everything, but many of us believe in having that option to coexist so we can speak these opinions, have the debates and negociate democratically together. These are the people I will always respect, regardless of if I agree with you or not.

Whether you’re a believer or not, an important passage was mentioned in the Life.Church message series, and I think it’s important to know more than ever this week –

For God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and of love and of a sound mind. 2 Timothy 1:7 NKJV

For all those that have donated, had a moment of silence, offered and served help or given a message or tribute to those affected and their relatives and friends, thank you for having a heart in humanity.

To Ariana and her team, you have my full respect and admiration for pulling One Love together and from what I managed to see online, a fantastic show.

 

For those wanting to donate, the Red Cross have an emergency Fund for Manchester and I’m sure there may be something similar set up for those in London too. You can donate to the Manchester fund from here.

 

Take care everyone this week, stay safe. I stand with you Manchester & London and One Love to you all.

Mike


No Words

I didn’t get around to posting yesterday. I’m glad I didn’t, because my original message seems irrelevant now and my thoughts at the start of this week are short but sweet.

On the shuttle bus to work this morning I heard the news. Roughly 22 dead, some of them children.

I must ask to anyone out there that thinks this is OK. What is wrong with you? Is it a mental disability, a misunderstanding on what Islam is about? Do you get thoughts in your head urging you to kill people? If you can answer yes to all or just questions 2 or 3, then get help for your mental health!

By blowing people up you’re not a Muslim savior, you’re not a hero. You’re just a killer.

I stand with you Manchester and my thoughts and prayers are with all of those affected. If you’re missing or unsure of a loved one, contact them now to make sure they are safe or call one of the numbers published across news and social media and on the Greater Manchester police site.

Living in fear will only let the terrorists win, so let’s all try to stay strong, keep calm and carry on.

Mike