Trajedy?

Well, the recent events at VA Tech have plagued the news and our minds for the past week. I was inclined to comment on it sooner but found myself really mulling over the matter. Being only one hour away, I was certain that many of my church family would suffer from grief, confusion, and even fear.

I am glad I have waited to comment. I did not want to be an opportunist as so many others I have seen. Many Christians "take the opportunity" to emphasize everything from mortalilty to the moral decline of our nation. I am bothered by the opportunist. Not because they are wrong. I really believe we need to "take the opportunity" to emphasize the need for God, but I am bothered for another reason.

It appears most of the opportunists are rushing to provide answers to the delimma. Some say it is God's judgement and many should repent. Some argue that it is a sign of the time. Even others propose that it is God's will.

I am different I guess. I don't think it is God's will that any should parish not knowing him (as noted Biblically) but I do see that my perception of His purpose is limited. Which brings me to my analysis.

I think the confusion we all face is the appropriate emotion for the moment. We have witnessed something that isn't reasonable, preventable, or sensible. It only makes since that we shoudl be confused. As a pastor, I see that religious leaders feel compelled to know all things. Frankly, it is necessary to set aside such arrogant positions to embrace the fact that we are confused too. I don't think that confusion makes us poor spiritual leaders. I see it as a step in the direction to sympathetic grief. I am not sure that a grieving family needs answers. They need communion with others who share their emotion.

I am confused. I trust God and His plan but I am confused. I know He is made perfect in that weakness. Let us all be weak with one another. May we share the emotions of those who were closest to this trajedy.