Another gunman has opened fire. This time, the bullets flew during a baseball practice of Republican congresspersons. Some had their children in attendance as well. There was one fatality, the gunman, and five injured. According to gunviolencearchive.org, this shooting was one of 28 reported shootings from around the country by 8:40 p.m. on June 14, 2017. My prayers and thoughts truly go out to all individuals, families and communities that have been involved.

I am not going to talk about the need for protecting our Second Amendment rights or the need for gun-control. To me, the more critical issue is basic human respect.

I come from a Judeo-Christian background. One of the most fundamental teachings from this tradition occurs in the Hebrew Bible. It is one of the creation stories and it goes something like this:  Creator made all things and called them good. Creator made humankind in God’s one image and called humankind not only good but exceedingly so.

If we, individually and collectively, would begin to believe that all of us have been made in Divine image, how would life change? Just think about it for a while. What if we began with ourselves? How would we live our lives differently? Would we begin to make wiser decisions regarding what we eat? Would we begin to check that negative inner-voice of self-doubt and judgment? Would we be a little more kind and gentle with ourselves?

If we started to apply this basic principle of respect to others by observing the divine nature or goodness in which our brothers and sisters were also formed, what would be the outcome? Would we be a little more patient with others? Would we be a little quicker to hold the door for another? Would we learn humility? Would our critical nature become more kind and gentle? Would we reduce violence by first believing that we were formed in Divine image and called exceedingly good and then transferring that same belief to others?

“Mindfulness.” Mindfulness is the ability to focus on the fullness of one’s thoughts and feelings and being able to be aware of one’s surroundings in a calm and collected manner. If we could become more “mindful” of the divine goodness present in ourselves and others, we might begin to help teach others respect, care and compassion. Life itself, becomes sacred.

Acknowledging the sacredness of life assists us in reducing violence, hatred and division — the things that rob life of its sanctity. Learning to see and believe in the sacredness of life, the life of ourselves and the life of others, promotes goodness. Life is indeed a gift. I encourage you to practice seeing the divine sacredness in yourself and others. Sometimes it is hard to do, especially when the other has not learned to practice seeing and honoring that sacredness. Do it anyway. You will love the changes that develop. And Creator made humankind in the divine image and called all humans exceedingly good. Go, and do good.