Sense in Tragedy

The Virginia Tech tragedy absolutely breaks my heart. The violence and absolute senselessness of such horror is completely stunning. I have traveled through Blacksburg, Virginia on my way to Tennessee countless times in the twenty five years since we moved to the DC area after my father was transferred here.

As a person with a unique set of God given blessings as a result of spastic Cerebral Palsy, facing, embracing, and appreciating those challenges for the goodness which comes from them, is simply a part of my being the person the Lord made me to be for His purpose. I am accustomed to having physical and muscular problems diagnosed, treated to be made more comfortable and healthy again. Been there, done that, bought the t-shirt!

Physical pain can be tangibly eased and comforted. The emotional pain of shock, sadness, and grief in times of crisis such as the Virginia Tech tragedy is so much more difficult. Since the incident, I have been crying a lot and needed lots of hugs. For personal reasons unrelated to the tragedy, the sixteenth was one of the most difficult days of my entire life.

The tragedy at Virginia Tech was truly horrific and unspeakable. People couldn't even comprehend it. They are trying desperately to make sense out of it. In the past two days, the news has been inundated with information regarding the tragedy. Yet it all comes back to the same question, "Why?"

As a Christian, my faith has been an immense buoy of strength and comfort for me during this difficult time. The awful incident has left so many searching for answers. While I don't have the answers, I know that God has a reason and will work the horrific tragedy at Virginia Tech together for good! His love brings hope to hopelessness and His peace offers comfort in sadness. Jesus Christ offers sense in times of senselessness.