"An Appropriate Response" To The Killings At Sandy Hook Elementary

     2012 was a year in which there were incredible accomplishments in the areas of politics (the re-election of President Barrack Obama), science (the discovery of the "God Particle" - an invisible particle that explains the mystery of mass), and medicine (advances in the areas of diabetes, cancer, and heart disease).  Perhaps what most of us will remember is not what happened at the beginning of the year and/or in the middle of the year, but the tragedy that took place in the latter part.  The senseless murders of 28 innocent children and adults who started their day with the expectation of a productive school session at Sandy Hook Elementary. 

     In the aftermath of the slayings, I refrained from commenting simply because there were no words that I could come up with to make the situation any better.  I felt powerless and began to think about all the families that were affected and the damage that will probably take years to overcome.  Since that time, I have reflected on the episode and I realized that my shock and sadness came largely as a result of the sheer number of children who lost their lives in one single act of cowardness.

     So how does one respond to such a tragedy?  NEVER FORGET!  It is a fact that for whatever reasons these random acts of violence have increased exponentially over the years.  They have increased in frequency, as well as, scope and intricacy.  The cowards who commit these crimes are going to great lengths to plan and implement their sinister plots.  Society has a habit of labeling them as being "bullied" or "picked on" by others early in their childhood, thus resulting in their acts of rage.  I have a different perspective.  Could it be that these individuals are "spiritually deprived" thus creating this indifference they have for human life?  They have no sense of God and His saving grace that comes through the acceptance of Jesus Christ as their Savior, therefore life to them is no more valuable than the dirt they walk upon.

     In the end, the parents, children, husbands, wives, siblings, and friends of those killed in Conneticut will have to somehow, someway begin to put their lives back together.  It is our prayer that God will use believers to help in this process.  We can do all things through Christ Jesus who strengthens us.  Sandy Hook, we love you and are praying for you!