Murderous Rampage

Murderous Rampage

I send my deepest condolences and heartfelt sympathy to the dead and injured, and to their families, friends, and everyone else touched by the tragic events at Virginia Tech. In terms of body count, this is the worst murderous rampage in U.S. history; thirty-three dead and nearly as many injured. As a father of a college student, I can only imagine the intense feelings of grief and confusion that a loving parent must endure through such an incredible and horrific event. The sweetest words of sympathy and the most pious, elegant prayers will never be able to fill the void left in the heart of a parent. Tears well in my eyes as I wish and pray for the Lord’s comfort to all who now suffer. And I selfishly beg God that if something like this is to touch my life, He take me and not my wonderful daughter who strives to improve her life through education, just like these marvelous young people who paid the ultimate price for living in an open and free society.

A flood of emotions and questions explode in the mind of a parent who suffers such a unfathomable loss. OH MY GOD, MY BABY! NOOOOO! How could this happen? Who was this guy? Why didn’t the school protect her better? Could this have been prevented? Oh my God, did she suffer? Help me! Oh my god, my baby! Please help me understand. How could an all-knowing, just and merciful God allow this to happen?

I will answer the last question only. As I have written in a previous blog (“Life is a Test,” January 2006), God does not intervene in our lives, She watches. She looks for answers to her own questions. How do we handle this impossible situation created by this evil deed? That’s what she wants to know. Can we find it in our hearts to try to understand why this person committed such heinous crimes? Can we forgive him his trespasses when they are so great? Can we turn to others who are suffering and help them or will we not because we are too selfishly wrapped up in our own grief? God is watching and taking notes for Judgment Day!

Then there are some questions I have. Is it right for the media to sensationalize a tragedy like this? Do they go too far? Do we need round-the-clock coverage? Should we inundated with the gory details over and over? Could this coverage actually aid in the grief process or does it just extend it? Will it help us deal with this type of situation the next time it happens? Can something positive come out of such a negative event?

I don’t know the answers. I just know that my heart is broken and my senses are dulled by this sad and sobering tragedy. I pray God; replace the weakness, helplessness, and vengefulness we feel with strength, hope, and forgiveness. Amen.

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