I've been trying to think what I should post about the shootings in VA. I haven't come up with anything profound, but maybe that's OK. Maybe I'll just post what's on my mind...
As I watched the news media unfold their version of what happened, I just began to cry. What a senseless act of violence!! I couldn't imagine being a parent of one of these students! And how nerve wracking it must have been for all parents and loved ones of students who attend Virginia Tech...waiting to hear from your child, to finally hear their voice and know that they are safe. And then I began to mourn for the students who are left there to deal with the aftermath...those in the rooms next door, those in the building, those who knew those that were shot, the whole campus community, and the list goes on. And finally I began to think like a college administrator. What a task the faculty and staff have ahead of them. Questions will continue to flood the phone lines that no one can answer. Blame will continually be put on the university and it's leaders. Students will grieve and counselors will try to help them make sense of it all. Residence hall directors will ask themselves if there was anything more they could have done to save the two gunned down in the residence hall. Faculty will question what could have been done to prevent this young man from coming into their building with guns. Leaders will ask what security measures should have been in place to prevent this from escalating (or even happening, for that matter). Blame. Who to blame? I suppose we as humans need a place to lay blame.
Some blame has already be given to campus leaders. Is this the correct place for blame. I don't think so. I think the only true blame can be placed on the shooter. Could measures have been taken to prevent further killings after the first two murders. Probably. But how could ANYONE know? I truly believe campus leaders did what they felt was best for the whole campus community.
I could go on, but I won't. It's a tradegy and I'm praying for the families of the victims and for Virginia Tech.
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Thoughts...
Posted by Nicole at 1:14 PM
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4 comments:
Nicole, I agree wholeheartedly. VT is in a world of hurt right now and those blaming the administration are making it worse. I was so glad to see the president of the university receive a standing ovation yesterday at the convocation.
Yes, I agree with Kelly (and you, Nicole!). It makes me sick how the media is poking holes in the actions of VT's administration. I'm sure it took a while for word to spread, gather info, and make decisions. I'm sure hind sight will cause them to refine their process, but I think they did what they could to the best of their ability. I'm sure the students and parents want to blame SOMEONE and hold them responsible. It is the shooter's fault...and the sin that is so rampant in our nature. It's days like April 16, 2007 that makes me long to see Jesus take us with him to glory and that justice will finally be at hand!
The evil that man does lives long after the man...today, someone said, "Let's place the blame where it belongs...on the enemy." As I pondered that, I thought of how we as a nation have come to avoid calling sin what it is...SIN. The tricks of the enemy are rampant in this time of our precious Holy Spirit's longing to heal and turn the ashes to beauty. Let us cover the whole of Virginia Tech and it's community with our prayers.
Living so close to VA Tech, working with Tech graduates, knowing those whose children attend the school... all this has left us in shock and mourning the loss of so many. As the day unfolded and the full knowledge of the horror going on a few miles away developed, my heart just broke. How could anyone have done such a thing. We know police and SWAT members who responded, nurses and doctors who worked feverishly to save lives...sometimes successfully and sometimes not... and the horrendous tragedy of it all has been overwhelming to all of Central and Southwest Virginia. Tech is the school of the ordinary folks who live here. Hearing the stories of bravery, courage, and heroism have helped, but the love, Christian comfort, prayers, and even the father who forgave the gunman for taking his daughter's life show the true spirit and heart of America and Christians. Some may ask, "Where was God in all of this?" He is still on His throne and will someday overthrow all evil casting Satan forever into outer darkness. What a comfort to know that God still reigns!!! Our prayer is that good will come from the evil unleashed on that campus and that many of those young people will come to a saving knowledge of the Lord of the Universe as a result of the witness and testimony of so many. Please keep us all in your prayers over the many weeks and months ahead. Healing and recovery from this will take a long time for many as only God can provide complete healing of minds, hearts and bodies.
At the same time this massacre occured, a bomb threat was called in to a bank right across from Pete's office building. Gusting 50 mph winds tore shingles off our house and shed, and we felt besieged on every side! Many lost electricity in the area and were not able to follow the events of the day. As I write this, schools in California are in lockdown because another madman is loose. Yes, Melanie, we long to be with the Lord in glory, yet He has left us here a little longer to bear one another's burdens and serve Him until the end.
God bless us all!
Barbara
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