50 lives were violently taken today. 53 additional people were injured. Again the tragedies have become a point of debate more than a moment to grieve.  Stalin’s words are becoming evident that, “A single death is a tragedy; a million deaths is a statistic.” And we often struggle with what to do in the midst of such prevalent hatred and violence.

I think a good place to start is to grieve the tragedy of the lives stolen in Orlando and in our own communities.  Then consider how we will live. People who endeavor to do good must be equally as bold in their acts as those who seek to do evil. There are so many good people who are timid and shy about their purpose. As a result there are so many books unwritten, music unsung, verses unspoken, sermons not preached, art not created, voices unheard, and art unseen. The world needs to witness the good work you have yet to accomplish (Ephesians 2:10).

Don’t be shy in your endeavor to do good.

Be bold, courageous, full of hope and yet willing to fail. Your contribution is necessary. Put the pen to the paper, compel your heart to find its voice, devote your hands to perfecting their craft, invoke your mind toward innovative solutions, and resolve to be poured out rather than rust out.

As Benjamin Mays said, “Every man and woman is born into the world to do something unique and something distinctive and if he or she does not do it, it will never be done.”

I look forward to the day where the world is frequently stunned by bold acts of love. Until then, I will grieve the tragedy today and work toward unabashedly making my contribution toward a better tomorrow.