My friend and colleague at VA Tech had shared with us that what he worried most about the first anniversary of the outbreak of violence there was the media attention. He remembered that last year some of the strongest expressions of emotion were toward those who were interviewing every student who walked across campus. "It is hard to grieve in the public eye," he said.
I intentionally did not write about the incident yesterday. Today, I thought it might be appropriate.
As people of faith, we must lift our voices to God out of care and concern for all those who lost their lives, for all those whose lives were forever altered because of that day in Blacksburg. What happened there is opposed to what God intends for His creation.
As persons united in a community of faith, we need to pause and understand that community can do much to prevent that kind of an outbreak. It is in community that our horrific fears are set aside. It is in community that we learn to respect each individual as a valued member. It is in community that we consult with others when interactions turn sour or painful. Communities of faith do much more than make choirs sound full, communities of faith provide opportunities for God to instruct us on living together.
Our LSM Group has a lot of fun when we are together. We also spend considerable time in prayer and bible study. But, let us hope, it also provides that place where we can learn life together. It is that opportunity to explore the wonders and mysteries of life on planet earth, arriving at answers and/or solutions to that which reduces us and/or our life together.
Pastor Chris
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