I’m not one to post religious video clips or quote scripture, because I prefer a more quiet faith walk. But I do pray every day for my family, especially my kids, grandkids and niece. It’s a scary world out there and I believe in the power of prayer.

Despite my strong faith, bad things do happen, and Minneapolis was the scene earlier this week.

My heart aches for the families, teachers and community of Annunciation Church & School in Minneapolis.

Families should not have to worry about sending their children to school or to church. Teachers should not have to protect their students from predators armed with weapons.

As I watched all the noise of the news—speculation, varying angles and aftermath—one individual and his words stuck out to me: Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey pointed out something that made me put down the spoon I was eating my morning oatmeal with and rewind and listen again to the TV.

During a press conference, Frey said the following:

“Don’t just say this is about thoughts and prayers. These kids were literally praying. It was the first week of school. They were in a church.“

He’s not wrong.

We can all drop to our knees in prayer. We can sit in a pew and toss some cash into the collection plates and go back to the safety of our homes. Will prayer alone prevent the next incident? Nope.

But this.has.to.stop. As a parent and grandparent, I believe we ALL have a responsibility to prevent the violence affecting our nation.

The tragedy that unfolded earlier this week is unimaginable—yet it has happened far too often.

In this event, the perpetrator (I will refer to this individual as a “perp” because I don’t want to make the name famous) clearly had mental health issues.

I say clearly because anyone who commits such a crime isn’t of sound mind.

Reports said the perp left writings that included alleged problems including being “angry depressed and struggling with how to navigate everyday life.”

According to news reports, although the perp didn’t have a criminal history to speak of, they found evidence the perp was “obsessed with violence” and allegedly had “multiple weapons”.

I’m not going to point fingers and play the blame game. I think this individual was failed on a variety of levels and there had to be warning signs that were either ignored or help wasn’t able to be provided.

So where are we in our society? Who do we want to be? What are we willing to tolerate?

Let’s, for a moment, set aside the gun rationale. (I’m a big believer that guns don’t kill people, people kill people.)

So how is it that this individual and countless others have been able to commit these horrific crimes?

Where did we fail them?

Were we afraid to speak up and speak out?

Did we not offer a place of support for an individual who is struggling?

Do we not have the services to address mental health issues?

How much intervention might we have been able to provide?

Or did we deliberately turn a blind eye because we simply hoped whatever the concern was would either resolve itself or become someone else’s problem?

Are we, as a society, ready to make some hard choices and set some boundaries and enforce appropriate punishment, when necessary? Do we need certain guidelines and restrictions? Are we ready to implement plans for getting at-risk individuals the help they need, even if it means tough love?

And whose responsibility is it?

I would argue it is our responsibility as parents and grandparents to start at home.

Check in with the next generation. How are they? Are they spending a lot of time alone? Always looking at a screen? Do they have healthy relationships with friends, parents and extended family?

What are their interests? Do they have a “safe space” or person they feel comfortable talking to about life’s challenges?

How well do you know your kids/grandkids?

Please pray for your children and grandchildren if you feel so inclined. But just as important, please step up and be that person they can go to for guidance. Don’t tell them what they want to hear and promise them that things will get better.

Share your life experience with them. Praise them when they are doing great things, but don’t be afraid to guide them back into their lane when they are getting out of line.

Lobby your legislators about issues and concerns. Make sure your voice is heard.

Donate money to some community organizations that are making a positive difference in your community.

I believe grandparents have superpowers! That’s why we are called GRANDparents.

You may not be able to save the world, but starting with your family and those in your circles is a great start! Imagine if we all did that, how many lives we could affect!

I don’t want to see any more families in pain. Our children deserve better.

We have got to be the change we want to see. It’s up to us. Stand up. Speak out. And for heaven’s sake, let’s start paying attention and listening to our youngsters. You have the potential to save a life.