Encouragement to Parkland

An Open Letter of Encouragement to Marjory Stoneman Douglas High:

As you return to school you may feel like you didn’t change the world overnight. A feeling that the world won’t budge, even in light of terrible, unforgettable, and completely preventable tragedy. A feeling that your voice isn’t heard and your efforts have come to little note.

America changes at glacial speed. Very few things occur overnight.

In 1954, segregation of schools was deemed unconstitutional. The Civil Rights movement was launched, but a decade later Martin Luther King, Jr. had to give his I Have A Dream speech because even after ten years much remained unchanged. Today, despite monumental strides, there still remains much work to gain equal rights and improve race relations. Few things occur overnight.

So let us encourage you.

The wheels YOU put in motion will still be turning next week and next month and next year.

Because you did change the world overnight. You just don’t see it yet.

You will. We’ll see more and more Americans fighting for reasonable and wise gun control measures. We’ll see more and more communities adopt gun restrictions. We’ll see more and more people, companies and communities stand up for safety – precisely because of the sacrifices you’ve made and the courage you’ve shown.

We already see results. An exodus of corporate supporters of the NRA. Gun control dominates conversation in workplaces and coffee shops and homes. Even legislatures are moving to accept limited changes. They don’t go as far as we’d like – yet. That’s why the fight isn’t over. But treasure the successes as you persevere in the fight.

You’ve made all the difference and for this, we thank you. For this, we celebrate you. In this, we are with you. You can’t begin to imagine how many people you have on your side. You are not alone.

With former president Barack Obama we say: “We’ve been waiting for you. And we’ve got your backs.”

With the apostle Paul we say, “Don’t let anyone look down on you because you are young, but set an example for them.”

And with Marjory Stoneman Douglas we say, “Never give up.”

Don’t let the slow pace of change jade or discourage. Though change comes slowly, it’s driven by those like you who care enough to fight for a better world.

With sorrow for your loss, hope for tomorrow, and commitment to see it through,

— The Rogue Millennials

 

See thoughts on gun control here: God & Guns