Sunday Mornings with Rania: What is your response to terror?

Rania Mankarious is executive director of Crime Stoppers of Houston. (Photo: lawellphoto.com)

I am usually never at a loss for words. But the incidents of this week in Brussels have left me somewhat speechless. I’m tired of writing hashtags that declare love for those who have been victims of terror. I’m tired of seeing the photos, hearing the stories, and wondering if (no, when) the next attack will be. 

So this weekend, on this very special Easter day for those of you who celebrate it, I want to think about positive alternatives to fear and terror and I want to share my personal, anti-terrorism, pledge. 

I will love others more

I will raise my kids to do likewise

I will learn the facts and not judge 

I will figure out how to be part of the solution 

I will not be afraid, simply vigilant

I will respect and show appreciation for our law enforcement and their families

If I see something or suspect something, I will bravely say something  

I will try to be a resource for those who are hurt

And my ears and arms will always be open to those in need 

Whether we realize it or not, we are each affected and touched by these horrific activities. We are involved. Some are determined to commit the crime, others are tragically victimized by it; some watch and form opinions, others do everything they can to distance themselves – mentally, emotionally, physically, and/or psychologically. Regardless of where you fall in the potential multitudes of categories, you are affected, one way or the other. We all are. 

My hope for you this day and always is that we can set a trend of infectious goodness. I wonder if you agree? We know those who lead this country must strategize and formulate a plan, but for you and me, living our everyday lives, we can be part of the solution. We can donate clothing, food, shelter, medical supplies or a long list of other things. We can support policy through respectful discussion. We can vote our conscience. We can do something. 

Once again, my heart breaks for Brussels, as it broke for Paris, Boston, New York, Beirut, San Diego, Turkey, Yemen and the long list of other countries and cities broken by terror. But in response, I will love others, celebrate this holiday with family and friends and contribute everything I have to this great city and nation. Join me, will you? 

For more information on Crime Stoppers of Houston, go to crime-stoppers.org and follow Crime Stoppers on Facebook. Have topics in mind that you’d like Rania to write about? Email her directly at [email protected]. Read past Sundays with Rania posts here.

Editor's Note: Views expressed here are those of the author and do not necessarily represent the views of The Buzz Magazines.