This week I have been working on a blog for Memorial Day, I have been writing about the tasks of mourning and memorializing from the perspectives of both science and scripture. My mind has been steeped in thoughts about war-time losses, the bitter-sweet aroma of heroic service alongside tragic loss. With news of the massacre in Uvalde, Texas, my tear-stained eyes and heavy heart turn to the tasks of mourning and memorializing fallen soldiers who are not soldiers at all but innocent children and teachers in an American elementary school.
Memorializing soldiers who gave their lives in service of our country is a somber call, but it is understandable, these brave heroes chose to go into a war zone to protect and defend something they held dear. God bless their families as they endure the loss of their loved ones with bravery comparable to that which called the soldiers into battle. They are all heroes and we owe them all a debt of gratitude beyond repayment, it is ours only to show honor and to revere them and to appreciate our hard-won freedom to the core of our beings. That we are able to attend church, own a bible, pray and worship as we choose, that we choose our educational path, our occupational path, and are able to vote, speak freely, and defend ourselves and our children from injustices, all of these freedoms can be credited to the men and women who gave their lives freely and willingly. They defended me, they defended you, they defended our families and children. They are our personal heroes.
The children and teachers at Robb Elementary did not choose to enter a war zone, they were not soldiers and were not equipped for battle, yet we find ourselves honoring them, grieving for them, as we approach this day of national remembrance for those lost in battle. It makes a statement not to be overlooked. There are many, many hard questions and not many clear answers. What is happing that our school rooms have become war zones? Why are innocent children and teachers slaughtered in the land of the free and the home of the brave? What are we to do? The best address I have heard on this tragedy is from pastor Greg Laurie; a video of his Fox News interview is below. His words will not fix anything, but they offer wisdom and comfort in a time of need.
More than ever, our schools need us to gather in prayer over them, and every praying mom needs other moms to pray with. Moms In Prayer International has groups across the world and, most likely, one in your community. They meet regularly to pray God's Word for our children and their schools. Here is a link to the "Find a Group" page on the Moms In Prayer website: https://momsinprayer.org/get-involved/join-a-group/
May we face this tragedy arm in arm, not allowing it to rob us of our love for one another, and may "The LORD bless you, and keep you [protect you, sustain you, and guard you]; The LORD make His face shine upon you [with favor], And be gracious to you [surrounding you with lovingkindness]; The LORD lift up His countenance (face) upon you [with divine approval], And give you peace [a tranquil heart and life]", (Numbers 6:24-26 AMP).
Pastor Greg Laurie's thoughts on the Robb Elementary School massacer