Mourning for our children

A voice is heard in Ramah, weeping and great mourning, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforting, because they are no more” Matthew 2:18

We had another mass shooting this past week. Numerous families are suffering pain and anguish at the loss of loved ones. The news reported that the United States has had more than 300 mass shootings this year.

I grieve for those families who are mourning and weeping for their children and loved ones. Like many of you, I’m asking WHY?

I don’t believe that God is punishing us, but I do not have an explanation for why these tragic events are occurring. Nor do I have a good answer as to why God is allowing innocent children and adults to be killed in our schools, churches, or other public venues–locations that should be safe and secure for everyone.

What can be done?

I believe we have a responsibility to try to make a positive difference. We should attempt to intervene to stop the violence and hatred that is running rampant in our world.

We should not be helpless bystanders.

But, what can we do?

Once again, I fail to have a complete answer, although I have some thoughts to share. I welcome your opinions as well. I believe the tragedies occurring are a direct result of the crisis in our society. A variety of issues contribute to this crisis.

• Within certain groups there is an increased attitude of helplessness, loss of control of one’s destiny, and anger at perceived injustice.
• Drug abuse and addiction continue to bring tragic results.
• Wide disparities in socioeconomic status between different segments of our society cause many families to live in poverty.
• An increased dependency on entitlement programs.
• Lack of motivation to achieve educational or career goals to become a contributing member of society.
• Lack of acceptance and respect for those who are different.
• Lack of love for one another.
• Loss of connection with God.

I believe we can part of the solution.

Pray

This sounds too simple, doesn’t it? Many of us have been praying for years that violence will stop, particularly that which affects our children. So, why haven’t our prayers been answered? Why is our world more dangerous than ever?

Again, I don’t have all the answers, but I don’t think we should ever give up praying.

The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective. James 5:16b

Reach out to those who are hurting

Are there families in your neighborhood that are struggling to survive?

Families with food insecurity (unable to afford healthy meals)? Are there programs in your church, community, or schools that provide intervention for children or families in need? Some things we could do:

• Educate ourselves about programs and interventions that are available for individuals and families in need. How can we assist?
• Volunteer hours to help tutor children.
• Volunteer to assist in recreational programs that reach at-risk populations.
• Encourage our communities and churches to reach out to families in crisis.

Support our schools

Many of the horrific mass shooting tragedies have occurred in our public schools. While some families have the choice of home schooling and others can afford private schools, the majority of our children are still being educated in our public schools. Historically, a free and appropriate public education for all children has been the strong foundation of our country. Our schools have the opportunity to make a positive impact on the majority of our children and young adults. An educated population is essential to having a healthy and peaceful society, while maintaining our democratic government.

For my entire career, I’ve been a teacher in both the public schools and in a university where I helped prepare teachers. What I’m about to state is not a criticism of our teachers–many of them are dedicated professionals that work far more than forty hours per week for wages that are far below what most college graduates receive. But, our schools are struggling with the demands placed upon them. Discipline problems, lack of motivation on the part of students, limited support from parents, and low funding have created an educational system in crisis. We are struggling to meet the basic educational needs of the “average”student and are woefully inadequate in providing enough special attention to students that may be mentally or emotionally disturbed. We need more personnel in our schools trained to provide emotional and psychological intervention for students that need help.

What we can do to help:

• As citizens, we can voice our concerns about inadequate funding for our schools.
• We can encourage our legislators to fund programs to provide intervention for students in crisis.
• We can encourage stronger mental health programs and services in our communities.
• We can try to be more aware of children and adults that need mental and emotional intervention and report unusual or dangerous behavior to appropriate agencies.

Together, we can help spread love and peace throughout our homes, schools, and communities.

There’s power in love to help us heal when nothing else can.” Bishop Michael Curry

If you have some ideas to help us make a difference in the lives of others by sharing through the power of love, please respond in the comment section below. Wishing you a blessed week, my friends.