I have been struggling all weekend trying to determine if this is a blog entry that I should write. While my intent and goal for my blog has been to share encouragement, include classroom ideas, and challenge you in your daily walk as a teacher, I struggled to determine if this was a topic that did any of that. The longer I sat with the possibility, the closer I came to the realization that this is part of teaching in our current society. As much as I hate it, we face this more often than I would have ever imagined when I started my teacher training in the 90’s. Sante Fe is unfortunately now added to a growing list- Sandy Hook, Columbine, Parkland. Yes, I do need to blog about this.

A dear teacher friend experienced on Friday what each and every one of us prays will never be a reality in our classroom. Due to an on-campus gunman, Sante Fe  is now mourning the loss of 8 students and 2 adults. Questions immediately start to form. Why Sante Fe? Why is God letting this happen? When will this ever end?

I am not offering a forum for arguments, accusations or blame. Nor am I in any way suggesting that I have any solutions or that I even have any inkling of an idea the pain and heartbreak being experienced by the Sante Fe community. What I will offer is a place where we can be real,  a place where reality is not ignored, and a place where the love of a Savior can be shared.

As teachers, our current reality includes “Code Red” drills, lock down procedures and vigilance during every moment of our teaching day. Not only do we teach children, we now also prepare children and protect children. While many “problems” could be suggested as the the cause for the rise in school shootings over the last decade, each of these potential causes stem back to the reality that we live in a broken world. One that has been broken since the Garden of Eden. God in his grace has offered mankind the gift of freewill. With that comes choices and the results of choices.

Some would argue, “Why does God not intervene?” An intervention on His part would unfortunately equate a removal of that free will already mentioned. God is not a fickle god. He does not change His character on a whim or in response to a circumstance. While there are times that God’s protective hand is evident, we do not get to determine when or how that hand enters the story.

Through each question, the truth of who He is remains the same always, irregardless of the changes consistently taking place in culture. The truth of God is that He is ever faithful. He is love that knows no bounds. He is peace in the midst of struggle. He is the ultimate healer.

While my heart aches both as a mom and as a teacher for the Sante Fe community, my soul knows that the Maker of the Universe is the only real answer. He is the answer to each of our questions. He is the peace when the storms we face are overbearing. He is our comfort when the pain is far greater than anything we can bear alone.

My prayer for Sante Fe is that His presence will be embraced and His love felt in full force. Greatest of love to each of you.

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley,I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.”- Psalm 23:4 (NIV