One of my friends said, “in no other nation.” And she’s right. Ten days ago, 10 people were killed by a gunman as they shopped for groceries. One was 32 years old. The oldest was an 82-year-old woman.
And today it was Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas that serves children in second to fourth grade. At the time of this post, nineteen of those children are dead and more are injured. One teacher is dead, and there are shattered lives all around.
A single gunman – who is also dead – walked in and began shooting. And there is no reason for it. Nothing could justify this apparently random act. But we know the cause.
Guns. For anyone, anywhere, as many as they want.
Politicians who have blocked common sense gun control laws are sharing their heartbreak at the horrifying loss of life.
Every public figure is acknowledging the loss and the pain and the horror of nineteen children shot at their school.
And each time it happens, the days pass and it’s all forgotten until the next mass shooting makes the news. (There have been 10 in the last week, including one at S. 56th St. and S. Yakima in which 4 people were injured.)
My friend CB Beal shared these wise words on their Facebook page, and I share them with permission. They speak to what we need to be saying to each other.
The news I want to post is that I love you.
The other news is that not everyone has seen the news this afternoon….
If you haven’t seen the news, go look up any news outlet or tv channel so you can have a private moment.
Do it with your kids not next to you.
Then go hug them.
I love you.
My heart, my heart.
Your heart, your heart.
Their hearts.
As I said on Sunday, we have to keep our hearts open, even as the break again and again and again. Let us stay live to the world that is around, to what is happening in our country.
We have to find ways to help: give money or time, talk to your neighbors and friends, find the people who are working on this and support them however you can.
We don’t know what it would look like to “win” in this, or even if such a thing could be possible. All I know for sure is that we need to keep working as best we can to keep at it.
Linda
Rev. Dr. Linda A. Hart