Tears

 

I am writing this as I ride with colleagues to a viewing for one of our student's father's viewing.  

She is 8 years old.  And last Saturday she witnessed her dad being shot and killed in a 7-11 parking lot.  

How do we even begin to process what that means for her? How will this trauma impact her? How do we ever make sense of this madness?

I find myself pushing the emotions aside and plunging in to help and serve and do.  

But I'm also filled with profound sadness.

We have a better way.

We know a better way.

And yet we refuse to forgive, we stoke the fires, we model rage and hatred. 

We stand for the sanctity of life- but only some- and reduce others to undeserving of love and respect. 

We look for ways to get ahead no matter what and not only turn a blind eye to our children's sins but provide them with examples of rationalization or deception.

We reject the teachings that provide true happiness for a sort of counterfeit that when it fades leaves despair and hopelessness. 

The Savior stands pleading with hands outstretched and we turn our backs and hold more tightly to our anger or resentment. 

In Jacob 3:10 we are warned, "Wherefore, ye shall remember your children, how that ye have grieved their hearts because of the example that ye have set before them;"

The shooters were 16 years old.  

The same age as Ella.  

So many lives needlessly destroyed. 

Make no mistake that they are responsible for their actions.

But so are all who contribute to a culture that celebrates violence and revenge.  That makes some people more human than others.  That feeds on anger and hatred. 

President Nelson recently challenged us all to mend a relationship.  To forgive.  To eliminate anger. To follow Jesus Christ. 

Because He offers us great hope and joy.

But He won't force us to take it.

 

We have to put down our weapons, whatever their form and choose Him.

Or the children will continue to cry.