by Dr. Ruth Anderson

My heart is grieving over the synagogue shooting in San Diego. I have to admit, in church service on Easter Sunday I contemplated what I would do to protect my family if someone started shooting. I came home to read about the massacre in Sri Lankra targeting Easter service worshippers. It was another sad realization that choosing to participate in a public religious gathering could put oneself in the way of hatred and physical danger.

Zealots aside, I have to believe that people who feel loved and a part of a community won’t feel the hurt, pain, and isolation that drives some folks to the depths of wanting to cause human destruction. How many school shootings have we heard were carried out by unstable students who were playing out a vendetta against students who shunned and minimalized them? Sadly, there were many innocents victimized in the process.

As much as I would prefer that someone else fix the problem, I think part of the solution really lies within each one of us. What can ordinary people like you and me do to embrace the disenfranchised? If for no other reason than to selfishly keep someone from targeting innocent strangers, or someone I love.

Love. Connection. Empathy. Can we each take simple steps, or if you are ready for it, outrageous actions, to reach out and care for someone that you previously would have found unlovable? I am challenging myself, and I encourage you, to please reach out, smile and say hello to a stranger, make eye contact and truly connect. It doesn’t cost more than the discomfort of stepping outside of one’s comfort zone. Surprise yourself. And who knows, you may be saving lives in the process. God bless.

About Dr. Ruth Anderson

Dr. Ruth Anderson is a lifelong student, teacher, international best-selling, award-winning author, and ordained minister. A retired public school administrator, Ruth devoted her retirement to making a difference in the spiritual lives of others. Her passion is to serve as a conduit between the spiritual and physical realms, sharing knowledge gained from direct experience, and educating others along the way.Ruth is passionate about sharing energetic concepts and her experiences with the Spiritual Divinity. She sees her writing as an extension of the contract she has with Spirit to learn and share with others. She hosts a weekly radio show, Walking with Spirit on the International Angels Network and writes a recurring column for the Shelton Mason County Journal.A spiritual counselor, Dr. Anderson provides individualized, transformational experiences creating connections with the Spiritual Divinity including Divine Mother, Archangels Michael, Gabriel and Raphael, and incorporating Holy Fire Reiki, and energy work.

Website: The Ministry Online
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YouTube: Watch Ruth Anderson’s video at Enlightened World Network