There’s a Way to Stop Mass Shootings and You Won’t Like It

You’re not going to like it because it will require you to do something personally, as opposed to shouting for the government, or someone else to “do something!”

What I'm about to share I didn't write, but like me, YOU need to read it. I fully support this writer's suggestions. Will doing what he suggests make you uncomfortable? Yes. But improvement only comes after getting uncomfortable anyway.

Here it is:

“Notice those around you who seem isolated, and engage them.”

The author of those words above is Rob Myers, he manages the largest single site, off-campus Student Housing facility in the country at 2500+ beds. He continues to write that if every one of us did this we’d have a culture that was deeply committed to ensuring no one was left lonely. Loneliness is what causes these shooters to lash out. People with solid connections to other people don’t indiscriminately fire guns at strangers.

Would you commit right now to making an effort to connect with the kid sitting by himself at lunch every day? How about reaching out the that awkward person at work that just can't seem to find a way to adjust? Even if you don't believe it's the answer to fixing the problem with these mass shootings? As someone who's spent nearly all of his life talking to anyone that would listen, I can tell you with confidence, bringing light to those on the fringe will build a better community for all of us.

The truth is, as writer Rob Myers says, the government programs, the laws in place, gun bans and such aren't really helping. Instead of waiting for the next brilliant mind to come along and make a fine attempt at fixing this problem, why don't WE DO SOMETHING!

So there it is. The god’s honest truth. No entity can do anything meaningful (more than is presently being done) to thwart a disaffected person hell-bent on committing such an act.

But you can.

I challenge you do this right now. Find that person you see often and make your approach. It doesn't matter HOW you begin... what matters is WHEN.

The people you engage may not become life-long friends, and they don’t need to be, but it could be enough to keep someone away from the darkness and isolation needed to eventually think lashing out is an effective strategy for dealing with their pain.