Today I awoke to a nation mourning the loss of their loved ones as a result of yesterday’s massacre in Christchurch. I initially blogged about this yesterday when I first heard about it. Since then I have read multiple newspaper articles and witnessed the live stream of the shooter. “Why would I want to watch that?” you might ask. I needed to see it with my own eyes. I wanted to see exactly what those animals did. I call them “animals” because to me, that’s what they are. In fact, animals are better. These killers are sub-human, whatever the furthest thing away from a human is, that is what they are.

I watched the video because I needed to understand why this happened. But it didn’t free me from the anger I feel towards the shooters or the sadness for the victims and their families. It didn’t do a thing for me other than helped me realise that no matter where you live in the world, even if it’s “God’s Zone,” violence has no boundaries, violence doesn’t recognise your colour, your ethnicity or your age. It can happen anywhere at any time to anyone.

There are all sorts of headlines following the incident. I think now I understand the phrase “If it bleeds, it leads”. People the world over seem to be attracted to violence and destruction. I can’t even explain how or why this is, it just is. I also didn’t know that there were multiple mosque shootings and even people outside on the street were gunned down by this maniac and his group.

Leaders from other countries are offering their condolences to the New Zealand families affected by this tragedy. Even Donald Trump had something to say. Yesterday’s massacre also taught me that when a nation grieves, the world listens and grieves with them. At least that is one positive thing to come out of this tragic incident. I’ll try and hold onto that today.