Prayers with those in Lahore, Pakistan

Another attack.  This time on women and children.  I find it puzzling and disgusting that groups like this are still gaining followers.  But that is the situation we are faced with.  The disenfranchised, easily manipulated, and downtrodden are recruited to perpetrate these suicide bombings and other attacks, being brainwashed into believing they are doing the will of God and will gain special blessings in the next life for it.  Young women are somehow recruited to become the wives of these criminals to give birth to the next generation of terrorist fighters that will continue down this path.  When written in these terms, it makes no sense at all.  It sounds like utter lunacy.  But there are apparently persuasive arguments that people are listening to.  We live in a time when people's hearts are failing them.  Their unfortunate circumstances, whatever those might be, are making them question things - are making them susceptible to improper suggestion.  And when the improper suggestion is made and their weaknesses and circumstances preyed upon, some make the misguided decision to abandon all goodness in their lives and fight for evil.  The rest of us know it's the wrong choice, but that's the thing with groups like this.  They are convincing.  They take those whose hearts are failing, and they use them.  And then they discard them in an insane way that makes them feel like they are doing what's right, even when it's so completely wrong.

This is not the path that leads to happiness or paradise.  This is the path that leads to death and misery.  This attack today, on Easter of all days, will not bring the attackers the rest they seek.  It will not bring their families the notoriety that any family really wants.  It will not bring their cause any more progress.  It will only bring misery to them.  What we can't allow, however, is that these types of attacks make the rest of us miserable like unto them.  We must rise above them.  We must be the best we can be.  Otherwise, we risk becoming like them.  Bitter.  Angry.  Hateful.  If we let that happen, however saddened we may be by their incredibly misguided choices, then on some level, they will have won.  Don't let them win by withholding your love of others.  Don't let yourself change because of their unfortunate choices.  Be good.  Be brave.  Be loving.  Seek4Peace always.