Faith Without Works Is Dead

"Way out in the land of the setting sun,
Where the wind blows wild and free.
There's a lovely spot, just the only one
That means home sweet home to me.
...
It's the land of a thousand thrills. 
Home, means Nevada,
Home, means the hills,
Home, Means the sage and the pine.
Out by the Truckee's silvery rills,
Out where the sun always shines,
There is the land that I love the best,
Fairer than all I can see.
Right in the heart of the golden west
Home, Means Nevada To Me."

Growing up, I sang this song in elementary school. You know, back to the times where we stood and placed our hands over our hearts. Back to the times where most of our biggest worries were getting home before sunset to get dinner. Back to the times where I didn't have to worry about the evils of the world. Back to the times where I knew it was happening, but didn't really give it much thought. Back where I wouldn't even dream that anything would ever come that close to home or actually hit home. Never would I have every thought, that I would have members of my family being shot at, or present during a bombing. 

Just last year, my home town of Panaca, Nevada population 931, was the sight of a car bombing. You know little podunk town of Panaca. I remember my little brother calling me at work and begging me to stay and talk with him. He was in near tears, telling me how he was outside playing with our dogs when he was nearly knocked down. I don't know if he was in actual tears but there was a distinctness in his voice and I could tell how scared he was. Frantically asking "Where's mom and dad. They went out for a drive and I can't get a hold of them." I told him I'd keep texting them because I didn't want to hang up on him. The phone went quiet, "Mel, there's a body part in the road.... I gotta go." I begged him to stay home and go inside and lock the door. He wanted to see if anyone else was hurt. It was weird, because earlier that year I had the same thing when I saw a horrific accident. I paused, and registered that people are hurt, and ran to the scene. " I gotta go help! I love you and promise to call. I promise." And then the call ended. He never really talks about what happened or what he actually saw but I remember him just saying with a stern voice, "I gotta go help!" 18 years old and all. 

What do you do? Run into the fire, or run away? Are you a hero if you run away? Are you a coward if you don't run? I tend to overthink a lot of things like this. I think that a hero is someone who doesn't think they NEED to be a hero and just does it. I think heroes are those who least suspect that they would end in situations like that and come out alive or not. Heroes are people who go their lives changing others and bettering their lives by bettering other's lives.

Take for example Quinton Robbins, 20 years old, one of the victims of the Route 91 Festival. His aunt posted a heartfelt post describing his life and who he was. Never once did she say he was a hero. However if you read it, you gain a sense that he was: With an incredibly heavy heart. My sweetest nephew has passed away. He was the most kind and loving soul. Everyone who met him, loved him. His contagious laugh and smile. He was truly an amazing person. He will be missed by so many, he is loved by so many. So many awesome talents. I can’t say enough good about this sweet soul. Because of the gospel and plan of salvation I have faith we will be with him again. Quinton Robbins, I, and your entire family will miss you so much everyday. Always will be thinking about you. Please pray for his parents and siblings at this time. Please also respect their privacy as this is a devastating loss that is incredibly painful for the families.

For those who are asking us how you can help. Prayer will be the biggest help. For them and the other victims and families. Here is also gofundme page that was set up by a member of Quints family that can help towards funeral costs.

https://www.gofundme.com/quinton-joe-robbins

I read one of the articles today and it was an interview with one of the victims at the concert. He was describing the shooting and the chaos going on, then pauses, "I sure as hell didn't believe in god but after this I sure as hell DO." He went on to say " I have never prayed to someone I don't know, just to have it all stop. The shots, the cries, the bloodshed. I and many others just wanted it all to stop."

I had a friend who's sister was at the Festival and her mother posted about the call she received. Saying that her daughter was in a panic and just ran until they could find a safe place to hide. My aunt was there as well, and she said she ran until she could find a place and that was 8 blocks and a bush. I couldn't fathom the fear and panic they experienced.

I think The Black Eyed Peas said it best, "Where is the Love?"

Where is it? I'll tell you where it is, its prepared for something like hurricanes that destroys homes and kills people. Its enjoying a concert and hearing shots ring out and you jump into action, whether that be running, taking cover, racing over to people bleeding out, or climbing on top of loved ones or strangers to protect them. It's running into a fire when hearing screams for help. It's sitting on a curb and comforting someone. It's turning to your loved ones and letting them know you love them. It's telling someone they dropped their wallet. Its paying for an expired parking meter. It's picking up a baby and promising that you would do everything in your power to keep them safe.

It's a scary world we live in. Every time we turn around something is happening. What do we do? What can we do? I always tell people to pray, pray for everyone. But we need to do something more. I grew up being told "Faith without Works is dead." WE can pray until we are blue in the face, however we need to do everything we can do to put those prayers into effect.

Well what does that mean Mel? I'm glad you asked, it means that we need to take action. Say, You think that it means we need more Gun Control, go out and do something about it. Talk to your politicians, vote for gun control. It means, if you're a firm believer in your second amendment, go fight for your protection and your right to have that protection! Talk to your politicians, Vote! Whichever it is go and do something about it.

It means that instead of sitting at home and changing your profile picture to what ever filter Facebook came up with, go out there and donate blood, your time, your knowledge. Open your home to those stranded, go down to a hospital and sit with people waiting for their loved ones to show up. VOLUNTEER! Whatever it is, just go do something. I can't emphasize this enough.

I know that many lives have been lost and many more will, because this world is just that evil. I do my best to rarely post religious views, but I think people should give the Book of Revelations a good read.(That's all for religion.)

There's too much hatred. Do something that drives you to be a better person, or to better someone else. Whatever it is, go do something! Stop sitting on your couch and being a keyboard warrior. Discuss the events, take it to your politicians, your parents, friends, roommates, take some action how to keep safe what you would do! Anything. Granted you can never prepare for a someone opening fire on a crowd of 22k people or someone blowing up their car, or flying a plane into a building..You can't prepare for those situations, however you can discuss what you could do or how you could help. 

Go change your life, or the life of someone else. Better this world for yourself and others.