Saturday, June 24, 2017

We're Sorry Saddie

Today my heart breaks for a complete stranger. This sweet girl. Only 15 years old. A life cut short by tragedy. And it could have been prevented. And I sit and wonder what our responsibility is, really, to matters such as these. Because this one is no different than the other countless stories we've read about... and forgotten about. And I'm not placing blame, simply asking the hard question: What is our responsibility?

I wonder what kind of deep-rooted sadness must exist in a soul to believe this is the only way out? What damage was done with such intensity that one would choose to believe death was an option more suitable than life? I don't know. But I'm sickened by it. And while my head accepts the reality, my heart cannot reconcile the devastation entirely. I am broken. Simply broken by this story. And the thousands just like it.

Responsibility = accountable for something within one's personal power, control, or management. And for me, the one who knows Jesus and knows His love for Sadie Riggs was more enormous than she could have ever imagined, I am responsible. Responsible for letting her know. Letting others know before it's too late. Because brokenness and depression is so often masked behind confidence and smiles. And because of this fact, we cannot pretend that our witness isn't necessary. That our joy secret isn't absolutely imperative to be shared. Love isn't love until and unless it is given away. And there's a hurting, hemorrhaging, DYING world out there that needs what you have... what I have. And ignoring these catastrophic casualties has GOT to stop. Bully violence has GOT to end. When did we decide that selfish living was acceptable for the Christian? It's time to rise up and represent well the God we claim to follow.

I'm sorry we failed you Saddie. But I promise to keep your memory alive by choosing to live a better life that extends the gospel message to anyone and everyone who crosses my path. We can make a change to impact a world for Christ. No more excuses. #saddieriggs #nomorebullying #chooselife

No comments:

Post a Comment