GOOD vs EVIL

"It is not necessary for good and evil to fight each other. Good embraces evil with love so that evil can be transformed, just as the lotus roots embrace the mud in order to produce flowers..".. Annabel Laity

"Of the ten worst mass shootings in America in recent history, five have taken place in Texas.."

• "The Gun Violence Archive has counted 214 mass shootings in the US so far in 2022." Gun Violence Archive
• The total number of mass shooting incidents in the United States in 2021 - 693

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  (Sidney Morning Herald)

  
  
  Five days ago we witnessed the latest U.S. mass shooting in Uvalde, Texas. It has been all over the news with vivid heart-breaking images. May the love for our American children overcome the evil of the gun manufacturers bent on profits. May love infuse the hearts of our politicians so that new gun laws might be passed that prevent these massacres from continued happening.

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While the above is uncertain, in many families there have been outpourings of love and loving occurrences to give us hope for the future. In our family alone, during three days we joyfully welcomed the following:

My grandson Branch Tanner Archer, IV had three graduation ceremonies at the University of Texas. He received a BS degree with honors in Environmental Engineering and Minors in Chinese and Philosophy (he speaks Mandarin). He was one of 15 "distinguished graduates" of Plan II, who "exemplify outstanding academic achievement coupled with strong dedication and service to fellow students, the program, and our community." He plans to pursue Philosophy in graduate school in Vancouver. (Dad, Branch T. Archer, III received a Master's degree in Electrical Engineering at UT this spring as well, but did not wish to participate in ceremonies!)

Daughter Carajean had to miss the last of the three graduation ceremonies as her daughter Audrey went into labor and mom wanted to be there! My first great-grandchild made his appearance on Sunday, May 22, 2022. Needless to say, our family is filled with pride over both of these happy events. The photo to the right is the first bonding of mother and son! Many more happy days ahead for both of them. Welcome to the world! Phoenix Rio Bohorquez, 8 lb 6 oz  And congratulations to the proud parents, Audrey and Erick Bohorquez.

It is my prayer that the love that these children and all the children of the world rightfully receive from loving family members will finally overcome the evil in the world and open the eyes and hearts of those in power who are able to implement necessary changes to accomplish this. I know that the generations that follow are already taking on the challenges we are faced with. My grandchildren, like my grandson Tanner, are determined to make a difference in the world. They are focused on environmentalism and climate change, and willing to do the necessary work to tackle these issues. May the members of our government assist them by doing the right thing today by starting with better gun control laws to protect the citizens of our country. Think of the precious children. Think of Phoenix!

Love and peace,

Marilyn