A Better Tomorrow

On my last Thankful Heart post, I mentioned a little about my thoughts on the attacks in Paris.

But, I feel like I have a little more to say and a few more thoughts floating around.

I'm going to be honest, I don't watch the news.

I actually don't really ever turn the TV on unless it's for Oaks to watch Daniel Tiger's Neighborhood or Mickey Mouse Clubhouse...

I get it. I know I fit into the stereotypical 21 year old that doesn't have a clue what's going on in the world.

To be honest though... I think I like it that way.

I'm very active on all my social media accounts. I have to be, it's part of my job.

So, I'm constantly looking and posting and because of that I don't really miss a beat as to what is #trending.

I feel like I knew about the Paris attacks the second they happened because there were already so many "Breaking News" posts.

It's always hard to get the story straight right off the bat, but the more research I did and the more posts that were shared the easier it was to decipher that it wasn't just happening in Paris, and it was  indeed a terrorist attack.

My heart felt heavy, my mind got fuzzy, and my hands got clammy as I thought back to 9/11.

I remember so vividly watching my mom stare at the TV in shock and panic as I sat at the table eating breakfast with fire, sirens, people screaming, and news reporters telling the world what was going on with a little shake to their voices. 

It definitely scared me, but being that I was only in 2nd grade at the time, I didn't quite understand what was going on.

Obviously it was bad, and clearly a lot of people were affected... but why would someone do that?

Not too long after, I was able to go visit my grandparents in Maryland.

We drove up to Washington DC one day and took a flag made out of cutout hand prints from the children at my school to the Pentagon. I'll always remember that.

We sat on a hill and looked at the destruction of the building. 

We were also able to go to ground zero, which at the time, was still a bunch of rubble.

It was equally as fascinating as it was terrifying.

My grandpa got my brother a book with tons of pictures from the day of 9/11. 

We stared and stared as my grandparents explained why it was such a big deal...

Since then I have attended middle school and high school where that horrifying day was added to our textbooks.

To be honest, it's been a while since I've thought about that day.

It's been a while since I've prayed for the soldiers fighting for my safety.

It's been a while that I've studied the history of this amazing country.

Then, Paris happened.

Then, I learned that more than just Paris happened.

My heart has felt extra heavy lately as I've thought about those affected by this tragedy.

I've read articles and done a lot of research and I just seem to grow more and more horrified by the cruelty of this world. 

There has been a whole lot of talk about attacks coming to America and even a world war three breaking out.

Hunter and I have prayed every night for the safety of our country and talked about these events often.

The 9/11 attacks have made me feel even more remorse now because I can just feel the pain and hurt going on in all the affected areas of the world.

I'm constantly wondering why and any sort of loud noise outside scare me.

I know we all laugh at the Miss America girls that say they just want world peace but why? I sure feel that way.

I desperately want peace and happiness and to not have to worry about the safety of my family and friends.

But for now, I'll just have to trust the Lord's plan and do my part in making this world a better place. 

I really have felt so much sadness as I've reflected on what is going on today, tomorrow, and yesterday.

Not much of it makes sense and my selfish heart just wishes the end would be here without all this pain and struggle going on.

Raising a child in this day and age sure is not for the faint of heart.

I often feel I'm not up for the task, but I'm so grateful for the knowledge I have of the gospel that helps me day in, and day out. 

Here's to hoping for a better tomorrow and praying for the world. 

All my love,

Aleigh Joy