“What should I do?” Maybe you are already doing it.

I’m constantly asked “what should I do?” And I don’t genuinely think people are really looking for advice.

Advice is too casual and normal.

They’re asking for help. They are stuck and know they need to do something but don’t know what to do.

They believe they must do something.
And they believe they are doing nothing.

But you are doing something.

You are seeking help. And I know better than to give you advice when you are seeking help.

You are doing something.

There is no such thing as nothing, though.

We think that by doing nothing, we can change our circumstances (that they will miraculously go away). But doing nothing is avoidance.

And avoidance is something. It is doing something in response. It is sitting on your ass while the world crumbles around you.

Seeking help is also doing something.

Shooting down good ideas because you don’t think they’ll be effective enough is doing something.

Antagonizing your friends for having the wrong response is doing something.

Tweeting #thoughtsandprayers is doing something.

They are all something. But they aren’t all worth the same.

Gathering with friends to hear how they are doing.
Engaging in dialogue which moves the needle.
Planning an event which people will enjoy.
Letting your hair down and actually enjoying your time.
Praying with others that we bring an end to gun violence in our country.
Pushing our lawmakers to implement laws which will reduce gun violence in our country.
Running for office.
Serving at a soup kitchen.
Conspiring to start a new lunch program or drop in shelter.
Reading the Bible in community
Getting help when I’m down.
Making the last 15 minutes of my son’s soccer game rather than go home and take a nap.
Visiting with family which pisses us off.
Confessing to someone that you feel bad about feeling pissed off.
Gathering with friends to build a more open and just world.

And so many more.

There’s lots of doing. The question is which are you called to do now?