Sad...

Today was a sad day. Today, we saw hell on earth!

I first heard of the shootings on the Virginia Tech campus shortly after 1:00 as I was driving to a meeting. Immediately, my mind went back to that day eight years ago when a similar tragedy happened at Columbine. Why the hate? What caused these individuals to do this? Was there someone in their lives who deeply hurt them, causing them to do this?

My heart goes out to the students on the campus of Virginia Tech, and especially to the parents who lost children today. No parent should have to bury their child, and today, sadly, there are many parents who will have to do just that.

As someone who loves Jesus, this news saddens me deeply. I’m sad because no twenty year old should have to go through this. I’m sad because no parent should have to endure the pain of losing a child. I’m sad for the person who acted out in this violent way. Finally, I’m sad because this is not how it is suppose to be. The world is not supposed to act this way. This is not God’s intent. So, my question to you, my question to myself – How can we bring the love of Jesus into our own world’s, into the people in our own lives? How can we overpower the hate in this world with the love of Jesus?

As I wrap up this thought, here is my hope, my prayer… There’s a famous song with this line in it “maybe its not to late, to learn how to love, and forget how to hate.” May we be people who are constantly learning how to love, and quickly forgetting how to hate.