It’s easy to say that you care about something. It’s much more difficult to actually do something about it. This is an obvious truth, but there are many in power who have perfected the art of offering sympathy without offering anything to provide substantial comfort, let alone address any systemic issues that may have contributed to an awful result.
“Thoughts and prayers” has become a punchline for exactly this reason. Multiple people die in a tragedy that arguably could have been prevented, and this phrase appears in closely-edited statements. They signal an appearance of caring, although the one releasing it will most likely do nothing to stop the next similar event from happening.
Thoughts and prayers won’t heal survivors from their trauma. Thoughts and prayers won’t shield the next victims from their fate. Thoughts and prayers won’t change the system that makes the taking of life so accessible. Thoughts and prayers are easy to offer. Thoughts and prayers only make a difference if they inspire action.
We need thoughtful and prayerful decisions to do something tangible. That’s the next step. That’s what will prove that this phrase is anything besides a pantomime of pity.
Jeffrey A. Nelson 