On the shootings at Virginia Tech

[I started a new job, so I haven’t been plugged into the ‘puter as much as when I was “freelancing,” sitting at home looking for the next gig. But, God has also been working on me to get me writing more regularly again… hopefully, I’ll be more faithful in posting here; a couple times a week would be good to start.]

On Monday, April 16, a young man of 23 shot 32 people dead before turning on himself. Since then, we have learned what an angry, bitter person he was. He reached his tipping point, it seems, months ago when he purchased the first of two handguns and documented his seething hatred on video and paper.

Without making him a victim, we can acknowledge that someone hurt him very deeply somewhere along the way. Whatever, whoever the agent, he never forgave; he never let go. The effects were evident in his life. He befriended no one. His schoolwork disturbed students and professors. He was told to go to counseling, was examined at least once by a psychiatrist. Nothing, no one, though, relieved the pain and anguish that was fueling his growing hatred.

I have not been so low as to plot a massacre, but I have contemplated the murder of self. My pain morphed to anger, approached hate then turned into despair and self-loathing.

Certainly, God stayed my hand from self-destruction. I cannot worship Him enough for His lovingkindness. He spoke to me directly through Scripture and prayer. He also sent siblings in the faith — vessels of mercy — who, in patience, bathed me in His cleansing, healing love. Some sprinkled. Some splashed. Some poured buckets and some dunked me in the pool of Siloam.

How merciful and loving my Father is. He has saved me and saves me still from the everyday snares. How precious are those who heed His call of ministry, who comfort the brokenhearted, who bandage the wounded, who strive to know the soul of another.