From Hate to Heart: Buck's Call for Compassion

For some context, I write a blog as Buck Moosfoot, a Texas cowboy, and I wanted to share his latest post.

Howdy there, folks. Buck Moosefoot here, and I reckon we're back in the saddles, talkin' about somethin' that weighs heavy on the heart. It's a tale as old as time, but it seems to be replayin' itself all too often. Now, we're all gathered here 'cause, well, another one of those horrors unfolded before us.

Imagine a quiet evening, a place where the stars above shine brighter than any city light. The gentle whisper of the wind rustles through the trees, and life ambles on peacefully, as it should. Yet, in the midst of this serene landscape, a fella felt it was his callin' to rain down chaos. Eighteen souls were snuffed out, and thirteen more left wounded, their lives forever altered.

Now, I may jest about my dislike for folks, but the truth is, I've got nothin' against 'em. People, they're capable of good, of kindness, and of that compassion that binds us together. But there's a darkness that sometimes shrouds the hearts of some, a darkness that leads to such cold-hearted actions.

I reckon it's the lack of respect for life, not just the lives of these innocent souls who were taken in that senseless act, but also a disregard for the critters that share this world with us.

It's a callousness that leaves me scratchin' my head. And it ain't just the fur and feathers; it's the folks themselves too. This here world, it's a community, y'see, where we should be lookin' out for one another, lendin' a hand when it's needed, sharin' in one another's joys, and carryin' each other's burdens. But it seems like that spirit is fadin' away for some, replaced by cold indifference and a lack of love.

We've got to find our way back to that place where kindness prevails, where the notion of hurtin' another soul, whether it's furry or not, is simply unthinkable. This world, it's a wild frontier, but it's one we all share together, and it's high time we remember that, no matter how different we may be.

I've always been one to reckon that the teachings of Christ are about love, compassion, and kindness. You've heard me talk about WWJD – "What Would Jesus Do?" It's a question that guides my actions and, well, it should be a North Star for many.

But there's a darkness creepin' in, my friends, where I find myself askin', "What Would Satan Do?" And it's disheartenin' to feel this way. It's as if the principles of love and mercy are gettin' muddied by a wave of hatred, and I just can't quite wrap my head around it.

I've been known to get riled up about the deeds of my fellow man, but I've always held firm to the belief that violence should be a last resort, and only then in the direst of circumstances. There's mighty few who I believe deserve violence to be enacted upon 'em, and even fewer where I feel it's my responsibility to seek such justice. That is a job reserved for the Highest of High, and certainly not old Buck. I'm not just talking physical violence, words and comments can be just as as bad if not worse.

Hatred has taken root in many hearts, and it's leadin' folks down a treacherous path. It's as if some have forgotten the teachings that encourage forgiveness and turning the other cheek. WWJD, not WWSD, should be our motto.

It's not just the grandiose acts of violence that shake me, such as the recent tragedy in Maine, but even the little things, like the venomous comments I see on social media. We're on a path that's led us astray, and pointin' fingers at our leaders or the other political party won't set us right. The change begins within each of us, and as citizens, it's our duty to steer this ship in a better direction.

It starts with teaching our young'uns about love and compassion, showin' 'em through our own actions and settin' an example. We've got to get back to the basics, understandin' that we're all in this rodeo together, and the only way to stop this descent into darkness is by kindlin' the flames of love and compassion in our own hearts and the hearts of our children.

Buck lives in a town in the Texas hill country. This town, well, it's what some folks might call "small." I mean, when I say small, I'm talkin' under 900 people small. It's the kind of place where, when you see a car broke down on the side of the road, you don't just pass by – no, you stop to see if you can lend a hand.

It's a community where, if a single mother reaches out on social media askin' for help with diapers, food, or a ride into town, someone always steps up to help out.

The bond among our neighbors is stronger than a lasso pullin' in a wild mustang, and that's somethin' I hold dear to my heart. It's in these small towns that the spirit of unity still beats strong, where folks look out for one another, offer a hand when it's needed, and treat each other like kin.

But, darlin', it's not all sunshine and rainbows, I'll tell ya that. There's a side to this small-town life that's been weighin' heavy on my heart. It's a town where takin' sides on social media – especially when it comes to political parties – can bring about the greatest of vitriol.

There's a venom in some of the interactions, my friends, that's as poisonous as a rattlesnake's bite. When folks start spewin' hatred and anger, it creates a rift in our tight-knit community, and it's a sight that leaves me with a heavy heart.

It's as if the very essence of this place, where we should be treatin' each other with the same kindness and compassion we extend to strangers on the road, is tainted by the poison of political partisanship. It's led folks down a dangerous path, one that threatens to unravel the very fabric of our community.

You see, I'm a cowboy, and out here in the Texas Hill Country, guns are a part of life. They've been a tool, a means of protection, and a way to put food on the table for generations. So when folks start talkin' about takin' away them guns, it's a notion that doesn't sit right with me, and I don't think it's the solution we're lookin' for.

But the question that haunts me as I look at these terrible acts of violence is, "What is the answer?" My friends, I wish I had a clear-cut answer for you, but I don't. I'm just an old cowboy, and I'm as stumped as a calf in a cattle drive.

What I do know, though, is that we can't keep walkin' down this road filled with hate and anger. That, I'm certain of.

We've got to turn back to lovin' one another, and it's a message that's been echoed in a whole heap of verses in that Good Book.

Take the words of the Apostle Paul in Romans 13:8, for example. He said, "Owe no one anything, except to love one another, for he who loves another has fulfilled the law." It's a powerful message, my friends, and it's one that I believe folks from all walks of life can get behind.

Loving one another doesn't mean we have to agree on everythin'. It doesn't mean we have to give up our beliefs or values. But it does mean we treat each other with respect, kindness, and empathy. It means we turn our backs on hatred and seek common ground.

I am a cowboy who believes in the power of love and compassion. I've seen it work wonders in this small Texas town I call home, and I've got to believe it can work wonders across this great land of ours.

Folks, I reckon it's time to wrap up this tale. It's been a journey, and I appreciate y'all takin' the time to listen to what's been weighin' heavy on my heart. As we ride off into the sunset of this story, I want you to carry with you the message of love and compassion.

In a world that sometimes feels as wild and untamed as the Texas frontier, it's on each and every one of us to uphold the principles of kindness, respect, and empathy. The recent horrors and the darkness that seems to creep into our hearts are challenges we must face together.

Remember, it's the little acts of love and compassion that can change the course of the river, like water carvin' through the rockiest terrain. It's the smiles we share, the hands we lend, and the understanding we offer that can heal the deepest wounds. Whether it's a small Texas town or a bustling city, the power of unity and love can bridge any divide.

So, my friends, let's continue to ride with love in our hearts, like true cowboys and cowgirls should. Let's honor the teachings of kindness and compassion, no matter how different our paths may be. As the stars twinkle in the Texas night sky, remember the wisdom of those age-old verses and the call to love one another.

In this world, where chaos may sometimes reign, let our actions and our hearts be a beacon of hope and light. We can make a difference, one small act of love at a time.

Thank you for sharin' this journey with me, and until we meet again, may you find the beauty in every sunset and the promise of a better, more loving world on the horizon.

Happy trails, my friends.