The New Normal

Do the killings, and bombings, sound normal? Are they becoming less strange and more ‘usual’? Will you say you have gotten used to the bad news?

You know, I wonder sometimes if bad news is still tagged ‘bad news’ or if it's now one of those things.
There was a time when it was either a tsunami, an earth quake or a hurricane that took us in the hundreds and thousands, we looked for ways to handle/fight it, and today we can reduce the impact of these natural disasters. But today, much worse is the fact that we are the ones now taking our own lives.

When we heard of the tragic attack on 9/11, people of all races, tribes, color and religion and those who had no idea what the twin towers were, or what continent America was, cried and raised a prayer to God on behalf of the people of America. That was something that shook us.

When Boko haram began full blown operations in the north eastern part of Nigeria, it was a heartache every time we heard of the butchering, bombing, shooting or abduction of people.

But somehow, today, what we used to tag 'BAD news' has become 'just NEWS'. What used to be scarce, has become the new normal. And, no, it isn’t a good thing. Our hearts, suddenly, have become used to the ache caused by bad news. 20 killed in a shooting, bomb blast displaces 500 people, Homo sapiens dying in their numbers and there is not a flinch. Not a flicker. Not a feeling.

It's like the humanity in us is dying, and giving a place to the beast the world wants to make of us all.

I'm writing, today, to reawaken that person in you that still has a heart that cares, to remind you that it’s ok to still feel bad about bad news. I'm trying to say, that you, my dear friend have in you something that can still spread love, even in this almost loveless world.

I might not have the power to stop ISIS (Islamic State of Iraq and Syria), BH (Boko Haram), NDA (Niger Delta Avengers) from destruction and shedding more blood - maybe you don’t also. But you and I have the ability to make the effects of such cruelty to be less devastating on the people around us.

You can put up a smile, pay a strangers fare, use nice and encouraging words with people etc.

Be the beacon of hope for a brighter and better future to the people around you. I'm doing my bit and I'm asking you to do yours. However you can.

"Be the light in someone’s darkness, be the salt in someone’s tasteless life" -Jesus (paraphrased)