While we cannot imagine the intense grief felt by those closest to the victims of the Sandy Hook School shootings, we have all been touched by the horrific event. Our hearts are broken for the families affected, and we all wish there was something we could do for them. Truly, is there anything we can do?
Many of my feelings that Friday morning were the same as those I had on 911. My eyes welled with tears for those innocent children, their parents and loved ones—and then the sadness deepened as I realized things may never be the same for my own family as well. Evil, it seemed, had once again, delivered an ugly blow that bruised all of humanity, turning the world a shade darker—a blow that I could not deflect from impacting those closest to me.
I am sure I am not alone in these feelings — a helplessness of not being able to maintain or restore whatever innocence existed before, and an inability to change the face of reality that appears more hideous with the passage of time.
But then I heard someone say that they “had to believe that something good would come out of this tragedy.” It was only a short time later that a thought occurred to me — a revelation, really — that something good was coming from this terrible event. I wasn’t consciously doing anything different, but I realized I felt different somehow.
Lately, people seem a bit nicer; a bit kinder and a little more positive. It may only be my perception, but maybe other people really are more patient than before. It’s as though our thoughts, prayers and love toward one another has risen closer to the surface—being expressed in a more heartfelt way than before the shootings. If you’re a parent, doesn’t it seem as though your love for your children has intensified? I sense greater compassion and patience, everywhere. Do you feel that way too?
I don’t intend to preach or proselytize, but my faith somehow helps me find meaning and solace in times such as these. Out of the most heinous acts and unbearable loss, God is able to bring peace and healing and a new fullness to life. We are drawn closer to Him and He opens our eyes to see more clearly. We become better able to understand and appreciate each other as we come closer to knowing genuine love for our fellow man.
We can do something for the parents and loved ones of those precious twenty. We can pray and then live in a way that honors them, with greater care for each other. We can make real the words of scripture:
And we know that all things work together for good to those who love God, to those who are the called according to His purpose. –Romans 8:28
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