In Response to Gun Violence in the U.S.

Camera in hand, yesterday I went hiking in Starved Rock State Park, IL, giving my soul the opportunity to catch up with my feet (a "borrowed" expression). I had actually hoped for some contemplative time, but there were too many people on the trails for that. Instead, I found myself observing the hikers — families with young children, couples, groups of friends — all of them seeking respite from the news cycle that has dominated our lives these past weeks.

The beauty of the canyons, the waterfalls, the ancient rock formations — all of it a reminder that there is something larger than the violence and grief that has gripped our nation. And yet the grief follows us even into the wilderness. How do we hold both realities — the beauty of creation and the horror of what we do to one another?

As a spiritual director and life coach, I am often asked how to find hope in the midst of darkness. My answer is always the same: we begin by being present to the pain, not running from it. We allow ourselves to grieve. And then, slowly, we look for the small acts of courage and compassion that are always present, even in the darkest moments.

The children of Uvalde deserved to grow up. Their teachers deserved to go home. We owe it to them — and to all the victims of gun violence — to do more than grieve. We must act.