#PrayForParis #PrayForPeace

Even one death is too many.  Now they are reporting over 150.  It is terrifying, but that's the point isn't it?  The terrorists are trying to create terror by definition.  I pray for those in Paris, for those souls lost, and for those families affected.

So now what?  Does France join in the War on ISIS?  First they will have to determine it was in fact ISIS who carried out these attacks.  In fact, France could already be involved in the War on ISIS, I don't follow along in International Affairs as much as I should.

All I do know is that Twitter and Facebook, and I'm assuming all social media, has lit up with supportive words for Paris.  The Red Cross has a link set up to raise money to help those affected.  Facebook has activated their Safety Check App for France.  Twitter is using the hashtag #PorteOuverte to help people find shelter from the streets.  People are tweeting the phone numbers of embassies.

But people need to remember, that what this will lead to should be a war on Terrorism and not on Islam.  Many Muslims believe in peace.  Not in the same radical ideals that these terrorists believe in, which make many Americans believe is the face of Islam.  A few weeks ago, in Burlington, MA, a Boston suburb not too far from where I live, two teenagers vandalized a Mosque.  Instead of coming out and condemning the attacks, the leaders of this Islamic religious center invited people of all faiths and backgrounds to come and paint positive messages on the building.  Messages of peace.  I might not have the details of the story, but that's the general idea.  And yet these two 18 year olds will not be charged with a hate crime.  I think that is the crime.

What do we do in a time of Terror?  We hold those we love close to us and tell them we love them.  We pray for those in the line of fire and those affected.  We offer support where we can.