Going Back to School and Thinking of Newtown

As I leave this break and wander back into school, I can’t help but think about the community in Newtown, CT.  Families without children, teachers without colleagues, children without innocence.  A community trying to ease back into routine after tragedy barbarically barged in.

I can’t imagine the pain, the questions, the fear, the grief.

My heart weeps for them.

No words can heal the wounds of those afflicted in Newtown.

My heart is steady though because of a few things I do know.

Only One can truly comfort, encourage, calm, bless.

There is Someone who heals the brokenhearted.

There is a balm in Gilead.

There is a hope that does not disappoint.

My God understands this unsettling situation.  His Son was born into such slaughter.

Matthew 2:16 states, “Then Herod, when he saw that he had been tricked by the wise men, became furious, and he sent and killed all the male children in Bethlehem and in all that region who were two years old or under, according to the time that he had ascertained from the wise men.”

My Savior knows this pain like no other can.  He was completely innocent.  Yet, His holy innocence was overlooked because of pride and selfishness and self-imposed blindness.

My Savior sacrificially endured a gruesome death.  And in the midst of His agony, He forgave.  Even in the anguish of the cross, He spoke words of life.

My Savior did die.  He had to.  His death meant atonement for the sins of the world.  It was part of the plan.

But.

My Savior rose from the dead.  He conquered death.  He smashed through the walls of sin that satan had built.  He claimed victory, fulfilled prophecies, established the church.

My Savior ascended to heaven.  He reigns.  He sees what happens, hears our cries, knows our hearts.

Therefore, as I walk back into the school I work:

I will not fear.

I will be a light in the darkness.

I will encourage the students who are disheartened and sad.

I will laugh with my students.

I will not give up on the students who are distant.

I will choose to get to know my students.

I will provide joy when they aren’t expecting it.

I will walk in the confidence of the Holy Spirit.

I will speak truth.

I will not complain but be thankful in all circumstances.

I will pray for my students and their families.

I will provide hope.

I will know that He is with me always.