Act!

 

Yesterday I woke up to find that I had missed a 1 AM phone call from a coworker.

A deep pang of concern flowed through my body as I quickly reached out for more information.

An email from our principal came through stating we needed an impromptu staff meeting following a tragedy.

Individual faces of students began to flash through my mind as I quickly threw on my favorite GHS T-shirt, and stood there desperately wondering what I needed to do.

I knew that regardless of what the tragedy was, I would be a part of the response.

I offered a quick prayer, took a deep breath and asked George to give me a blessing.

He did, and I headed to school, where I learned which student had died unexpectedly.

I spent a long and hard and terrible and yet tender and beautiful day working alongside many others and watching people take action in so many ways.

Administrators from other schools showed up to help with our lunch and lobby duties.

Teachers who were not familiar with the student stepped in to cover for those who needed a moment to collect themselves anytime during the day.

Food began to appear in our office area, which was a true blessing since none of us had had even thought to bring lunches in our rush to gather and prepare.

Counselors arrived from other schools and volunteer therapy dogs were brought in to comfort students.

Grace was given to all.

Reminders were given that all people respond to grief in different ways.

Hugs and tears were shed and shared.

Our amazing counselor went and sat with grieving family.

Thousands of prayers were offered. 

The NEST was full and and I give credit to my blessing and the help of the Savior for the composure I was able to maintain and the comfort I was able to offer to students who were sad, mad, afraid, confused, and anxious.

Sister Joy F Evans, strongly urged more than 40 years ago a call that echoes through time.

“May we never be indifferent to the suffering of others.”

Often we don’t know WHAT to do.

I didn’t know what my role would be yesterday.  But I DID know I could drive to the school early and be there and ready.  

Sometimes we just need to take that first step and ACT. 

Then  trust the Spirit and the leaders around you. 

“Never be indifferent to the suffering of others.”