I am saddened today…because once again, just a couple days ago, gunfire interrupted a school day.
I am saddened today…because once again lives were lost, and families are forever changed because of the consequences of a shooter and the gunfire that took place at the school/church in Minneapolis.
I am saddened today…because several families will not be able hug their children, and instead the parents are doing the unthinkable…planning a funeral for their young children.
I am saddened today…because close to 20 other children and adults were injured, some critically, by the gunfire.
I am saddened today…because once again after a tragedy takes place it seems that many are more interested in pointing fingers and blaming others rather than saying, enough is enough…what are we going to do about this persistent evil.
I am saddened today…because once again we are all reminded of the brokenness of this world we live in. And even as sophisticated and advanced as we believe we are as human beings today, the brokenness continues to be evident.
I am saddened today…because an individual felt so much fear or anger or was experiencing such a twisted state within their mind and soul, they felt compelled to take up a weapon and use it upon innocent people.
I am saddened today…because once again this tragedy will be seen by some, as a reason to abandon faith in God. “Why would God allow such a horrible thing to happen, especially to these children and adults who were participating in a worship service in their school day?”
I am saddened today…because right now many people are asking the question, “Why?” And the truth is I am too!
I am saddened today…because it seems as a society we are paralyzed in these situations and have come to the point of simply shrugging our shoulders as if to say, “There’s not much we can do about it.”
I am saddened today…to hear how older children actually used their bodies to protect younger children from harm. That is such a beautiful act of self-sacrifice. But my sadness is that these children found themselves in that situation.
I am saddened today…to see the parents and neighbors having to hold and support each other in the midst of their shock, grief, and tears. And yet I am reminded that is exactly where Jesus calls us, the Body of Christ, to be in times of tragedy, doing what we can to express the love and presence of Jesus.
Yes, there is sadness in my soul over this senseless school/church shooting. But I also know it is in those kinds of moments that Jesus was there with those children and adults, and with the parents, weeping, and saying… “I’m here with you.”
May we hug our own children and grandchildren a little more closely today…and may we go forth into this world to live, act, think, and speak in such a way that the peace of Christ becomes more and more evident. After all…the real change begins with each of us!!
Serving Together,
Pastor Keith