What do you say when words won't fix it

I don’t even know how to begin writing this. I’m gutted over yesterday’s shooting at a school in Nashville. I hesitated even writing this because words won’t fix it. Like all of you, I feel helpless. Yesterday, I had the same feeling I’d had back in 2017 when a shooter opened fire on a crowd of concert goers at a music festival in Las Vegas. I was just about to release A Simplified Life and all I could think was… this doesn’t matter. People lost their lives. Mommies, daddies, brothers, girlfriends, children, sisters… who cares about a book about home life.

I have a very vivid memory of driving down Racetrack Road in Tampa, returning from dropping the twins off at preschool, and hearing very clearly “this matters.” So after I am finished calling my representatives, using my influence any way I can, donating to organizations like Everytown and Moms Demand Action and hitting my knees in fervent prayer that God intervenes in miraculous ways I turn inward. I consider the four walls of our home and everything they hold inside.

I speak factually and gently to my kids. I make a meal that comforts and soothes. I turn down beds, dim the lights, and rub little backs while answering gut-wrenching questions.

And then, I get back to work. If I have but one voice — and you have one voice, we CAN join them together to make a loud noise. We can pray and pray and use the hands, feet, mouths, and minds God gave us to take action. Below are a few ways you can help:

• Contact your senators and representatives. Here is a list of contact information for every single one from March Fourth. Use this script (also from March Fourth): “Hi. My name is ___. I am a ___ (your state) voter. I am sickened by the tragedy in Nashville and urge the senator to do something about it by cosponsoring Bill S.25 to ban assault weapons, before any more incidents like this occur.”

• Talk factually and gently to your kids. Sissy Goff shared some wonderful advice on Instagram yesterday. Definitely watch.

• Give, if you can, to organizations working for real change. A few I support are Everytown, Moms Demand Action, and March Fourth. I’d love to know of organizations you support as well.

• Spread kindness. Like I mentioned above, what happens at home matters. Be the safe place for your kids. Give someone a hug. Make a call to someone who may be feeling lonely. This. Matters. So. Much.

Sending you and yours love and bravery. Never forget that the big work matters as do the tiny actions done in love.

Lord, let us be the change. Give us the confidence and fire to make waves that protect the most vulnerable of us.

xo,

Emily