The light that shines during the darkest of times

In the midst of mass tragedy it feels as though there has been an endless stream of darkness.  The names of events rattle from my memory faster than I can fathom.  During college it felt like there were but a few events that stood out over a number of years: Oklahoma City, Atlanta 1996, and Columbine.  9/11 changed that and the pace seemed to get quicker.  Now there is Aurora, Sandy Hook, San Bernardino, Va Tech, Oakland, Orlando, Las Vegas, Barcelona, Paris, London, and the list grows.  I don't want my boys to live in fear that something terrible is around the corner.  I don't want to live in fear of where we can go and be safe.  I want us to know that in spite of the darkness that seems to envelope us there is a brighter light that shines during those times.  There are those that will run in as others run out.  Afterwards no matter what differences people may have they share the same yearning to help and do whatever needs to be done.  I want to raise boys that will stand up and not stand back.