A friend of mine was murdered nearly 2 weeks ago, after which the man responsible took his own life. If you are reading this, then I assume you already know the details of what happened, so I will not get into them here. My first reaction was shock and horror, as I said above she was a personal friend (in my opinion one of the kindest people I’ve ever met), and someone who I had been honored to have worked closely with for several years. While I did not personally know Ricky (the young man responsible), I have heard of him and know several people who were his friends, and if the truth be known I had grown up looking up to him, and even after he left our missionary fellowship, and began to use his reputation (the son of our founder) to lend credence to the lies and hate that were being spread about us, I always felt that he had the potential to go somewhere with his life and to be whatever he determined to be. All of this brought the tragedy of the situation very close to home, and I grieved for the loss of both lives.

Yet as I look at it now, I can’t help but wonder how much of the blame was entirely his, and how much falls on the shoulders of those who fanned his bitterness and hatred with their words? Would they both still be alive today if those he looked to for support had really been looking out for his happiness, instead of merely venting their own frustrations and misgivings? Of course I realize that the actions of one person cannot be blamed entirely on the effect of those around him, as we all have the majesty of choice, and ultimately will have to answer for our actions alone before the Father. Yet when the time comes, and judgment is meted out, how much will be required of those who had the opportunity to be a force for good in someone’s life, yet instead used their influence to encourage and fan a hatred? We live in a day and age, when the effects of hatred are more clearly visible then ever before. You see it every time you turn on the news, bloodshed and suffering, all because of words of hatred that were fanned into a raging fire in someone’s life. Seeing how very real and tangible this is, now that it has touched me personally has really sobered me up as to how I am using my words. Am I using my tongue for good and the betterment of my friends? Or am I pouring my troubles on some other poor soul already weighted down with their own?

I pray that I can be a tool for good, and that the words I speak will in some way be a help to those who are down. Of course like all of us, I know that I am not perfect and will make mistakes, but towards this goal I have dedicated my life and energy, and if you will commit to being a help and strength to your fellow man, regardless of religion or philosophical beliefs I know that we can make this world a better place.

Samson Provencio (age 28, born and raised in The Family International)

Samson Provencio is a second generation member of the Family International.