This week, our nation has experienced yet another tragic and horrible shooting where children and their teachers were killed at a school. An elementary school. Our hearts are broken. We can barely comprehend the sorrow and loss that community is facing, like hundreds before. In Uvalde, Texas, the community is observing the horrible rituals of waiting for news of who has survived and who has died, comforting each other, struggling in the midst of chaos and heart wrenching grief. From a distance, we sadly gather information in some vain attempt to honor the dead by learning about their final moments.
Let us honor the dead by taking action. Let us honor the children shot to death in Robb Elementary School and all the school shootings before by insisting that the people who make our nations laws move beyond ineffectual “thoughts and prayers” in the wake of gun violence to pass laws and create policies that will help stop the carnage.
If you were among the children trained to try and protect or defend yourself in elementary, middle or high school, you know the absurdity and uselessness of our nation’s respond thus far. Raise your voice. Contact your elected officials. Tell them your stories and insist they make the changes that will begin to keep children safe from shooters in their schools.
Then pray. For those who grieve this week. For all who have been affected by this shooting and every other school shooting. For those who can help make our schools safer. And pray for the strength to work for change.
Peace, dear one.