That's how I feel as I watch the news of the shooting at the Connecticut school. There are tears. There is pain. There is disbelief. Why? 20 children, how? It's just shocking.
When I was a sophomore in high school, we had a school shooting. It was different, it was a student, who had another particular student he went after. But it was on school grounds, during 7th period, and Nick died. It was one of the most shocking things I've ever been thru. It took years before I didn't think about it every single day. Years. And I didn't know Nick well at all, I didn't see the shooting, and it still took years. Because it's not just the trauma of losing a friend, or viewing something horrible. It's having your innocence taken away. It's having your trust and perfect world and happy place blown to bits. And I was 16. These kids are 5-12. And they have to deal with this. Their worlds will never be the same. 20 families in one community will be burying 5 year olds. That's just sickening. I can't wrap my head around it. I experienced 1/100 of the trauma these kids did and it was horrible, how do they deal???
But here's the good part about brokenness. That's when God can shine. That's when you let Him in the most, b/c you have no where else to go. I pray these children, these parents, these teachers will let God in to work. I don't know how else you could deal with this.
My heart aches. I feel a bit numb. But it's time to pray, and pray hard, and pray fervently, because these folks need it. They have many long days, nights, and years ahead.
The LORD is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit (Psalms 34:18)
Fear not, for I am with you; be not dismayed, for I am your God; I will strengthen you, I will help you, I will uphold you with my righteous right hand. (Isaiah 41:10)
“We want to avoid suffering, death, sin, ashes. But we live in a world crushed and broken and torn, a world God Himself visited to redeem. We receive his poured-out life, and being allowed the high privilege of suffering with Him, may then pour ourselves out for others.” ~ Elisabeth Elliot
3 comments:
I feel the same way, my friend, and appreciate your words and the scriptures you shared. These are the moments God can shine and I will join you in praying that He does.
Clair you are wise beyond your years. Thank you for your ability to so willingly share your wisdom.
I am constantly blessed.
So thankful my sweet grandchildren have you for an Aunt. They are truly blessed.
I feel so much pain for these families. I am also thankful we serve a big GOD.
Oh my - the harvest is many - we must be ready to obey.
I was thinking of how lucky we were that Clair came into Robs life and we met all the Cowleys and I typed her name. It should read Anna. Sorry!!
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