• Home
  • About Me
  • Contact
    • Contact
    • Privacy Policy
    • Bloglovin
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

Heart & Stripes

  • Military
    • Military Spouse
    • Veteran
    • Anxiety
    • PTSD
    • Military Resources
      • Veteran & Active
      • Military Spouses
  • Motherhood
    • Stay At Home Mom
    • Faith
    • Fashion
    • Fitness
  • Recipes
    • Breakfast
    • Lunch
    • Dinner
    • Snacks
  • Household
    • Cleaning
    • Organization
    • Styling
    • Preparations
  • DIY
    • Home Decor
    • Kids Included
    • Parties
    • Seasonal
  • Travel
    • United States
    • Europe
  • Mompreneur
    • Personal Development
    • Mompreneur Spotlight
    • Goals
    • Resources

Show Love and Kindness – Be The Good In The World

October 6, 2017 by Christina Leave a Comment

This week has been a difficult one! I woke up Monday morning, Belgian time, and got my kids up. We started our normal morning routine and then I open the news feed on my phone, what would become the worst mass shooting in modern America, had taken place only minutes before getting my kids up and ready for school. My first thought….

“What has this world come to?!”

It didn’t take long for the fear and anxiety to set in though. Even being halfway around the world, the fear takes hold. I have two young daughters and this is not the world I want them growing up in. I don’t want them to think that mass shootings are normal. I also do not want them to live in fear. I want them to be carefree and happy children that grow into strong independent women. I want them to know that mommy and daddy will always do everything they can to protect them. What worries me though is exactly how do I protect them from such evil? I take comfort in these verses:

Rejoice in the Lord always. Again I will say, rejoice! Let your gentleness be known to all men. The Lord is at hand. Be anxious for nothing, but in everything by prayer and supplication, with thanksgiving, let your requests be made known to God; and the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus. Finally, brethren, whatever things are true, whatever things are noble, whatever things are just, whatever things are pure, whatever things are lovely, whatever things are of good report, if there is any virtue and if there is anything praiseworthy – meditate on these things. (Philippians 4:4-8)

That’s how I protect my children! I trust in the Lord and I meditate on all things good!

The events that took place in Las Vegas were HORRIFIC and lives were lost while many others are still fighting for their lives. A lot of people will suffer from PTSD because of this experience and hundreds will be dealing with months, maybe years, of rehabilitation. Now is not the time to turn this tragedy into a political standing. Now is not the time to start with conspiracy theories.

Now is the time to come together as a country and show love, compassion kindness and support to the victims, their friends as well as their family! This isn’t about republican or democrat, white or black, man or woman…it’s about being an AMERICAN!

Martin Luther King, Jr. said it best, “Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” I wholeheartedly believe that we as a country have lost sight of loving one another. I believe it’s time to let God back into our country and schools. Get back to teaching that you treat others the way that you want to be treated. Teach people that the consequences of your actions are to be considered BEFORE you act.

I can make sure my children grow up and know God. I can make sure they know to treat others with respect and dignity regardless of their religion, political views, skin color or any other differences. I can teach my children to stop and THINK before doing anything and consider what the consequences of their actions will be. That’s not enough though. I have to SHOW my children through my actions as well. You can’t just teach it…you have to do it as well. Can you do that for your children? Can you TEACH and SHOW them that love and kindness can go so much further than hate?

Be The Good

In this age of social media, the hatred is spread like wildfires. It’s time to change that. Let’s commit to spread LOVE instead. Show kindness where ever and whenever you have the opportunity. I know in my heart that there are more good people in this world than evil so let’s use that good to drive out the hate.

I know that I have to “practice what I preach” and I am doing just that. I have found a local charity here in town (yes, in Belgium) and I have committed to volunteer with them and to help them raise funds through November. I will be asking and encouraging my friends here locally to help out as well. It can’t stop there though. Instead of commenting and reacting to posts on social media that don’t share my views, I will simply pass them by. My posts will be kind, hopeful and positive. That doesn’t mean that there aren’t negative situations and impacts but simply I vow to find the positive in situations.

I know that some situations, like the tragedy in Las Vegas, aren’t positive but out of that tragedy came MANY heroes who saved the lives of so many others at the risk of their own. I choose to focus on that love and kindness. I choose to believe that there is good in the world and I choose to BE THE GOOD in the world. Now it’s time for you to make a choice as well.

Do you choose to feed into the hatred? Or do you choose to drive out the hate with LOVE and KINDNESS? As for me and my family…we choose LOVE & KINDNESS.

You are in my thoughts and prayers Las Vegas! And to all the friends and families of the victims, my heart hurts for you. I know that nothing I say can make anything better but I do know that our God is bigger than anyone and anything. I pray that he wraps you all in his arms of comfort and finds a way to ease your pain. Know that one day you will see your loved ones again and it will be in a place where hatred and evil do not exist. Until then, know that you all are forever in my thoughts and prayers and that your loved ones are with God and watching over you. GOD BLESS YOU ALL! <3

Share this:

  • Tweet
  • Print

Related

Filed Under: Anxiety, Faith, Motherhood

Privacy & Cookies: This site uses cookies. By continuing to use this website, you agree to their use.
To find out more, including how to control cookies, see here: Cookie Policy

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating




This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Learn how your comment data is processed.

About Me

About Me

I am a Veteran & Military Spouse providing encouragement, advice & support while navigating my journey as a stay at home mom living with PTSD & anxiety.

Instagram

Loading...
Happy Friday!! I hope everyone has had a good week. I have been busy at work with a lot of Father’s Day orders. I can’t really share them since they are gifts and I don’t want to ruin the surprise so instead, here’s a picture of another order I have on the turners this morning. What is everyone’s plans for the weekend? I’m sure you can guess mine! 🤣 #custommade #glittertumblers #milspouse #veteranowned #shopsmallbusiness
I’ve been a busy mama. I really enjoy this outlet of creativity. Check out my page @heartandstripeshandmade and give it a like. I’m just starting but there are lots of new items coming soon. 😍
Sorry I’ve been so absent lately! It’s been a crazy time for the family and I. Over the weekend we FINALLY got the house settled to the point of feeling like a home. My husband also helped me get my desk and crafting area situated. On top of getting back into my blogging I have started making homemade items such as glitter tumblers, shirts, shadowboxes, hats, etc. I’m making these items and selling them while also keeping up with the house, kids, husband and taking 5 bachelors degree classes. Needless to say, it’s hectic but I’m managing. You can check out my other page, @heartandstripeshandmade for updates on things I’m making and I’ll have a new blog post up soon. Finding some balance now. 😍 Happy Thursday!
This week has been full of ups and downs. The downs have been pretty bad and triggered my PTSD. Luckily I have a great support system and was able to wake up happy and anxiety free today. Please know that if ANY of you need someone to talk to, I’m here. No judgement, no telling you why you shouldn’t feel that way (because I know you can’t control it sometimes)...just a listening ear and someone who cares that you are here on this earth! Happy Friday friends....look to the light today. 💕😘 xoxo . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse #harrypotterquote #itstruethough #suicideawareness #youaremeanttobehere #listeningear #nojudgement
Anyone want to come do my Survey of Accounting homework? No? I don’t blame you! 😂 I actually have a pretty good grasp on it so far but they have like 9 videos I have to watch first before completing my homework. 🤦🏻‍♀️ Each video is like 10 minutes. Needless to say, I’m having lots of fun this morning. 🤷🏻‍♀️ How’s your Friday starting out? . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Yesterday it’s snowing, today (ALL DAY) it’s pouring rain. Mother Nature must be PMSing this week 😂🤷🏻‍♀️ . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
You are a strong, loving and independent woman. You can do anything you set your mind to! I recently read that no one will want your dream to happen for you more and than you want it! That means you better stop taking no as an answer and instead of giving up you find an alternate route. You got this! . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Y’all, excuse the language but it’s cold AF! It snowed again overnight and while it’s a pretty white blanket of snow everywhere...I’m freezing my behind off! Good thing I don’t have to do anything other than take the kiddos to school and pick them up! How’s your morning going? . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Here’s your reminder to go drink some water, it will do you good! Two weeks ago if you would have been in this carpool line with me then you would have seen a Mountain Dew or a second Monster Energy Drink sitting in my cupholder. Today it’s. 33.8 oz water bottle. I am pretty proud of myself for sticking with it, even on the days I am craving that Mountain Dew so bad! But I made a commitment to myself to stick with it and instead of constantly breaking promises to myself, I’m learning to stick with it. It gets easier with every day that passes. 🙋🏻🎉💕 . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Energy has always been a myth to me. It’s something I always wanted but instead I constantly was forcing myself to get up and do things. I have had a major shift with that since starting #thedubrowdiet and it’s amazing! Y’all, I’m being 100% honest with you, I never thought having energy was possible. This might be TMI but it’s the week before my cycle. Normally I am so drained I am constantly falling asleep on the couch and feel so horrible. While I’m still a bit tired, it’s not stopping me. I’m getting everything done that I need to and here hasn’t been a single issue with falling asleep on the couch. That’s huge for me! This plan has helped me reach my before kids weight, getting those last 6 stubborn pounds off, but more importantly I wake up with energy to get stuff done and my belly hasn’t been this flat in 10 years!! Thank you @heatherdubrow and @dr.dubrow for this amazing plan! This mama needed it and even my hubs is staying awake in the evenings during our TV time! It’s a win all the way around!!! 💕😍🙋🏻🎉🍷 . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
It’s Monday morning and the temps were pretty low this morning so I decided it was a good day to use my free Starbucks drink reward. Yep, I can still have coffee on my diet plan. It’s actually encouraged but I use 2% milk and no added sugars. Since it was free I of course got a Venti! 🤷🏻‍♀️ Happy Monday! 💕 . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
I apparently have a refurb addiction. These nightstands were posted on our local marketplace and I knew I wanted them the minute I laid eyes on them. They match the desks I redid for the girls so now they will each get a nightstand to match their desk. It may seem a little crazy that I just keep adding projects on top of everything else but this stuff is what I enjoy so it’s not work to me. How was your weekend? . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
I'm trying to make this my best year yet! What about you? . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Thank you Give Parents A Break for watching the kiddos for us so we could have a date night! We didn’t get one last month because of sick kids so this one was totally needed. The hubs and I hit up Outback and even managed to stay within our diet. I even got to drink a wine because I’m in phase 2! 😍 It was a great night!!! . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
When your kiddos love watching Ladybug and you find the second season on DVD at the Dollar Tree, you buy one for each kid. 😂 Seriously, a total mom score. I can’t pass that up for $1! . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Set your goals and don't stop until you achieve them! . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Yep, I washed and dried all the clothes but they sat like this for days! By the way, they got folded/hung and put away last night. I post this to show you that we all have that pile of laundry or dishes in the sink. It’s basically impossible to get everything done even with the loads of energy I have lately. Just do your best each day and leave the rest for another day. Hey, at least it’s clean laundry! 🤷🏻‍♀️😂. . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Just working on a new little project 😍 They are no where near done but definitely starting to see my vision come to life. 💕 . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
I have a lot of new adventures I am tackling this year and at times it seems a bit overwhelming but in the end I know it will totally be worth it. Do you have new adventures on your horizon this year? Tell me about them and if I can support you in any way. . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse
Tonight is was imperative that I did some self care. I could feel a bit of my anxiety creeping in. Don’t get me wrong, I have more energy and feel healthy but my anxiety isn’t based on my healthiness. Sometimes it just rears it’s head even when I’m feeling great. So a nice long, hot and relaxing bath helped me greatly. I hope that your Thursday was amazing! . . . . . #blogger #heartandstripesblog #militarylife #militarywife #veteran #sahm #momlife #hustlehard #coffeeholic #bookworm #militaryspouse

Blog Design by TinselPop