Terrorism, Thanksgiving and a Promise for Tomorrow

Houston City Hall lit up in the colors of the French flag on Friday night, Nov. 13, to show support for Paris after the attacks. (Photo: Karen Warren, Chronicle)

It’s been almost two weeks since the Friday night attacks in Paris. In the immediate aftermath, we all stood still, staring at our TVs, hearts broken, the reality unfathomable. Instantly, Facebook profile pictures were changed – the French flag superimposed over everything and anything. Saturday Night Live began the monologue with a message to France and for France. People posted and shared their comments wherever possible, me included.

But as the clock strikes midnight yet again, I wonder, what tomorrow will hold. We know from experience that terror brings a cycle of pain, fear, anger, determination, strength and soon forgetfulness. Forgetfulness is what scares me most. Forgetfulness is what hurts us most. Is it possible that the attacks in Paris, Beirut or Mali in just the last two - three weeks alone could set in us a new reality, one that is slow to forget and quick to learn more? Certainly the presidential political cycle has now made terrorism the new platform, but has the topic taken a new place in your life?

Think about it, do you understand what the terrorist groups really want? What will ultimately make them happy? Does their end goal have anything to do with you or me? When will“enough” really be “enough” for them? Is this problem a global problem or isolated? Is it even our problem? Maybe so, maybe not…but at the end of the day, the issue of terrorism is something we all need a “crash” course in, and sooner rather than later. I challenge us all to be at least thinking about it.

As families across the United States gather together today to celebrate Thanksgiving, I find myself thankful for so many things: family, friends, safety, health, a home, food, peace, courage, love… And while the kids play and eat and the in-law conversations flow from laughter to politics and back to laughter again, I think about those across the pond who are still mourning the loss of their loved ones. I also find myself thinking about those who are planning their next attack. We cannot forget these realities: the pain due to sheer loss and the simultaneous determination to strike again.

I know for now, all I can do is say a prayer, a prayer for peace, a prayer for courage, a prayer for wisdom, a prayer for grace, a prayer for understanding, a prayer for humanity and a prayer for the impossible: a solution, a solution that starts with me.

For the sake of this great country, our incredible community and my love for freedom and justice, I’m not going to keep my head in the sand. I’m taking a pledge to read, learn, listen and dedicate myself to understanding and doing right. I’ll continue to do whatever I can to ensure a safer tomorrow for all of us. I hope you’ll join me.

Until then, wishing you and yours a happy, safe and wonderful Thanksgiving.