THE CZECH IS IN THE MAIL
The above headline may rub some people the wrong way, but it’s a fact.
We’re all on this Earth together and none of us are coming out of it alive. In the end, we’re all going to pass on to the afterlife.
Sadly, someone who probably thought the world revolved around them decided to call attention to themselves this past week by going to a Catholic school in Minneapolis and shooting a rifle inside the church during a celebration of Mass.
The result included two children killed and 17 injured. Investigators said the assailant apparently committed suicide.
Several news outlets reported the shooter made YouTube videos describing weapons and magazines, the use of racial slurs, a call for President Donald Trump’s death, antisemitic messages and references to the Holocaust and the Catholic Church.
The suspect reportedly discussed suicide, racism, depression and the particulars of carrying out a mass shooting.
I say this with the utmost sincerity: If you suffer from depression or feel as if there is no light at the end of the tunnel, please seek mental-health assistance.
As someone who dealt with mentalhealth issues in the past, I can tell you things will get better. You’re not always going to have bad days.
I’m a Christian who grew up in the church, and I can also say it is beneficial to get involved with fellow believers. However, being involved in a church community is not always enough for some.
I believe the Good Lord gives us opportunities to get help when prayer and church attendance are not enough. It’s up to the person to take advantage of those programs and counseling.
I’m glad that I listened to God through prayer and received the help I needed. I hope others will follow.
I don’t know if the motive was to get attention or to attack a group of people who disagreed with the attacker’s beliefs. Whatever the case, there was no reason nor excuse to shoot 19 innocent people – two of whom are no longer with us.
Disagreeing with someone else’s religious or political beliefs, race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or views does not give anyone the right to try and end their lives.
We’re a diverse society and it takes each and every one of us to make the world go round.
Simply put, we’re all small parts of the world and the world does not revolve around one single person.
Chlapek is the area editor of the Elgin Courier and Taylor Press. He can be reached at jason.chlapek@ granitemediapartners. com.
