Today, we are all French

I'm sure every other person out there is writing about the French attack and how devastating it is. I, as well, would like talk about this. (From my own perspective.)

(Je Suis Charlie- "I am Charlie")

When I first heard the news my heart dropped, literally...ok maybe not literally, but I gripped my heart and covered my mouth with the other hand. Trying hard not to hold back tears. So many had died and so many had lost their lives so early. When heartbreaking news like this happen and so many souls were taken I imagine all those who had died. What potential they could have had in the future if they had not died, what they did before the event happened. It's odd, but I truly felt the heartache for all those people. Yet the tears still escaped from my eyes and that night and I knelt down for my bedtime prayers. With shaking hands and tears falling silently in the dark room I cried out to God to protect, to guard, and to comfort those who had lost their loved ones and to find peace amongst the storm brewing in France. But my prayers didn't just stop for the people who had died, who had lost their loved ones, but also to those who attacked...and sadly died.

Yes, that's right. I prayed for the attackers. I prayed that justice would be served and that correct punishment would be justified on the other side. While anger filled through my head, I said this with peace in my heart because I had to leave the judgment in God's hands. I had feeling of sorrow for both France and the lovely people residing there and the people who attacked. We may not know why they did what they did, but it's situations like this where the whole world comes together and mourns for the country in unity. We all weeped, cried, and prayed with France. On 9/11 the French said, "Today, we are Americans." France, today we are French.

I so wish I could take a trip down to France and help those in need and kindly give them a helping hand, but all I can do is pray for you. Today, my Facebook page lit up with blue, white, and red profile pictures and all I thought was anger and confusion. I was not even tempted once to change my profile picture to the French flag because how is that helping France. Sure it's symbolizing that we are united in the world to "help" France in it's time of need, but that "evidence" does not fully help France. The more I see it on my Facebook page the more I get frustrated and angry to say the least. Like I said, changing your profile picture to the French flag isn't really supporting or helping France. And if you try to argue with me, please keep in mind that this is my own personal opinion on the matter.

But this isn't about Facebook profile pictures. I have read countless articles on the event that took place and told by the young people at the concert tell tales of true horror, fear, and sadness. In a matter of minutes, a fun time singing along with the words by the band suddenly turned to a chaotic nightmare.

("Give me your tired, your poor, your huddled masses yearning to breath free
The wretched refuse of your teaming shore, send these the homeless, temptest-tost, to me.
I lift my lamp beside the golden door.") 

Again, I deeply mourn for France right now. My heart still aches for you, tears still find ways to come down my face, and I will continue to pray for you. To those who witnessed the event, those who mourn for their lost loved ones, those who attack you, and those near and far from you. We all wish we could hold you, hug you, and tell you things you may need to hear. Instead what we can do is return the honor you gave to us on 9/11.

We are all French!