It's times like these where we truly have to dig deep and do some serious soul searching, to try and remind ourselves what is good in the world.

When it seems like one disaster after another, claiming lives and reminding us, in the most cruel way, how easily life can be taken.

When individuals feel they have some valid reason to take a life, in the most vile and violent way.

As horrific as these events are, they sadly are a part of the cruel twisted elements of life.  The part we would all ilke to see destroyed by the extremity of nature or eradicated in some way.

Every day you turn on the news to hear some dark story of how a child has been abused, murdered, women gang-raped, children held hostage for over 10 years away from their families, sex trafficking of the young and vulnerable and sadly, so many many more.

"What has happened to the world?" we all cry.

The thing is, the world has alwasy had these dark elements.  There has alwasy been evil alongside good.  Only now we sensationalise it.

We have the ability to ensure that every corner of the earth is shown images of it.  The things that cause the hurt, damage and destruction are remembered more than those taken because of it.

Yes, it's a fucked up world we are living in.  But, for every fucked up situation and person, there is beauty and hope.

Your first reaction may be to look into your child's eyes with fear, thinking "What kind of world have I brought you in to?"

Instead, look to them.  Look into their eyes and truly see all that is good about the world.

Wonder, love, kindness, joy, imagination, excitement, hope.

Draw from this and show them the beauty of the world you have gifted them life into.   And teach them to not only value their own life but to value the lives of all others.