In an age of declining attention span due to multitasking and mandates on efficiency, many things that would normally give us pause may not.
Someone used the word cataclysmic in an article to describe the death of a beloved friend. The word created a striking tone and description that gave me pause.
Is there anything worse than cataclysmic? I read the complete article.
The heartfelt article, like many others, would give pause to many who have experienced the unexpected loss of a loved one. The personal loss was also a profound professional one. The word highlighted the loss of the person’s brilliance and any future contributions to various sectors of society.
Cataclysmic events and happenings are momentous and violent, marked by overwhelming upheaval and even destruction. We have heard about cataclysmic famines, floods, and earthquakes.
In my pause, I felt the writer’s passion and grieved loss for the world.
What gives you pause in the hustle and bustle of America to live and let live?
What gives you pause to stop, listen, reflect, consider, reconsider, and try to see the world and others with clear eyes?
One definition of ‘giving pause’ suggests a thoughtful moment to consider important and consequential matters carefully.
The continuous war with Iran should give everyone pause, no matter their political persuasion. The potential for more American lives to be lost is real, and the war is affecting all of us economically.
The increase in the cost of living- groceries, gas, and other basic needs should give pause to the citizens, government, and business owners.
The price of war is high for all humanity!
What about the suffering and loss of lives, infants, teens, and adults in both countries?
The rate of teen suicide in America is something to give pause to parents, teachers, coaches, churches, and all of us.
But what about the suicides of adults?
The inhumane treatment of immigrants should give pause to all Americans, including African Americans. African Americans know something about inhumane treatment, marginalization, discrimination, and racism.
What gives you pause in your personal, day-to-day life?
Things that can impact our health and safety can give us pause.
Near misses of various sorts give us pause. You know, those almost injuries that could have happened but didn’t.
Near misses involving vehicle accidents alert us to avoid distractions and focus on driving.
Near falls due to wet-floor slips or ladder instability give potential victims pause to be more careful and more safety-oriented.
The pause is a powerful God-given tool at our disposal. These pauses can help us better understand each other, our situation, and our environment.
We are imperfect beings. This fact should give us pause to learn from and help each other to navigate a life filled with urgency, pressures, and uncertainties.
This quote by Viktor Frankl should give us pause. He said, “Between stimulus and response, there is a space. In that space is our power to choose our response. In our response lies our growth and our freedom.”
I hope that you are happy and well.