(*Edited: I must admit, I took the number 18 and ran with is as it was the lead in a number of online stories. That number was promoted by a group intending to imply there had been 18 mass shootings in schools during the first 7 weeks of 2018. This, of course, is not true. There have been 18 incidents where guns have been used on school grounds, including shots fired through windows and suicides both in and on school grounds…one at a former school. Ok, statistics are what they are and I know they can be manipulated for various purposes. My point remains the same. If there had been ONE school shooting, that is one too many. Thank you, Nancy, for bringing that to my attention.)

Eighteen. Eighteen school shootings this year…and it’s only the 7th week of 2018. How many more? How many more mothers and fathers have to lay their children to rest when all they did was send them off to school to learn? How many more children have to be permanently changed…traumatized by sights and sounds young children should never hear? How many more teachers and administrators have to come up with answers to those left behind and find some way to keep teaching and helping? How many more???

I walked into the grade school to do my volunteer reading shift the day of Columbine. I sat in the school library and tried to distract a room full of elementary school students away from the TV relaying a live broadcast of children running for cover. I held my youngest that night and tried to explain to her about bad people and why she shouldn’t be scared to go to school the next day. All while trying to remain calm enough to talk to her without losing my sh*t.

I cannot tell you show scared I am of this. My older daughter is a high school special needs teacher. My two grandchildren are in grade and middle school…all in a suburb of Denver. I worry every single day that something like this might happen to them. I can’t imagine the horror these families, staff, and fellow students are going through. I have no words.

What is the answer? How do we keep this from happening over and over and over? There are SO many factors at play here. The issue of gun control is a hot topic. I believe in our right to bear arms. I have a couple of guns for protection and have taken classes for proficiency. I have a conceal carry permit. I am a responsible gun owner. I keep them locked up and away when my grandchildren are around. Still, I think there has to be some way to make it more difficult for citizens to get guns and stock up on enough guns and ammo to armor the 101st Airborne. The debate is heated and there’s no easy answer that will satisfy everyone.

What about video games? Have you seen some of these these things? OMGosh! They are horrific! They are realistic depictions of murder and mayhem on a grand scale, putting you “in the driver’s seat”, so to speak. You can gun down people with all the blood and gore that accompanies such an activity without leaving the comfort of your recliner. Children’s minds are not fully developed. When they are subjected to such violence with no repercussions, is it such a difficult thing to think some of them who aren’t in touch with reality may seek the thrill in real time?

How about parenting? Ever since Dr. Spock told us spanking little Johnny would damage his psyche, we have been raising little prima donnas who think the world owes them something simply because they showed up. These are the generations that gives everyone a trophy. Don’t get me wrong…I am not a proponent of child abuse. There is no justification for bullying. But, too many parents plug their kids into an electronic baby sitter in the form of a smart phone or an iPad then wonder why they aren’t connecting to their fellow human beings in meaningful ways.

What about God? Does he care? Is he listening? Have we used his name in vain so much that he’s tone deaf? Have we said, “We don’t need God in our business” one too many times? I imagine God is weeping today for the unimaginable loss and the complete evil of such things as school shootings.

I don’t have the answers. I wish I did. I do know this…the only way out of this is through love, light, prayer, thoughtful discussion, responsible legislation, and courage to stand up to those who allow guns to get into the hands of madmen. Something has to be done…and soon…before we lose one more innocent. My heart is breaking. No one should lay their babies in the ground for this.

Heavenly Father, I come to you today with thanksgiving for your steadfast love for us, your children. I ask you to wrap your loving arms around the families struck down by the violence in our schools…not just this year, but in all years. Please, Lord…give our parents the courage to do what they must in laying their children to rest. Give our children kind and loving hearts and a conscience so that such unspeakable horrors are never considered a valid way to reconcile differences. Give our teachers the strength and courage to face each new day when they are faced with seemingly insurmountable challenges. Give our leaders the wisdom and courage to stand up and do what’s right to protect our children. Lord, we know you ultimately win this battle against evil. Please walk with your hand over us and keep evil far from us. Amen ?

For a view on the NRA proposal to arm teachers: https://www.facebook.com/UTLAnow/videos/1956126557742129/

““I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.””
‭‭John‬ ‭16:33‬ ‭NIV‬‬