the Monday Morning Debrief: the Whys

What happened on Friday was unbelievable.  I, and the rest of America and the world were horrified by what happened in Newtown, CT.  You’ve heard the stories so you don’t need another blog talking about what happened and the emotions that come from that.  But, in the light of this tragedy, there does come an opportunity to engage our community and people we minister to.

I lead a Family Ministry Department with direct ministry with students and on Saturday night, I lead a Middle School Home Group at my house.  As we celebrated Christmas together with a meal and Gift Card Exchange, I reflected on the Christmas Story and all the “whys” the Israelites must have asked God over the years.  “Why are we oppressed”? “Why are we still without your savior”? “Why can’t we be free”?  They had plenty of opportunity to ask why as they waited 400 years for God to act.

In the same way, there are a lot of “whys” being asked right now after this tragedy.  We may not know the answer, but what we can do is point students and families to God and direct them to Him.  James 1:5 says, “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask God, who gives generously to all without reproach, and it will be given him.”  My encouragement to students and families is to continue to seek God through this all.  Again, we may not know the answers, but if we seek Him, He will give us wisdom on how to get through it all.

Thoughts?  Experiences?  Post a comment so that we can all benefit.