Every mass shooting is tragic and evil. Every mass shooting that takes place in schools is especially appalling. And this one strikes a personal cord with me.
Earlier today (March 27, 2023), a 28-year-old former student of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee entered the building of her elementary school alma mater and killed (as of this writing) six people — three adults and three 9-year-old children.
The police are still investigating, and politicians and pundits (and everyday Americans) are already pontificating their personal opinions on why this happened (“guns,” “mental health,” etc.) and what must be done to stop it in the future! And woe be to anyone who expresses sympathy or “thoughts and prayers.” Oh no… not good enough! You’ve got to do something!
Well… as someone who believes that prayer and thought should precede and accompany action… I make no apology for expressing my heartfelt sympathy and grieving heart to the parents, teachers, staff, and students of The Covenant School in Nashville, Tennessee — and everyone impacted by this terrible tragedy.
And I also am lifting up that school and the entire surrounding community — and our country — in prayer.
Yes, I’m sick of these mass shootings in this country. But it’s going to take more than just passing a few laws to stop them. It’s going to take some really hard, uncomfortable, difficult, challenging work to protect our school children from this kind of violence. And I’m ready to roll up my sleeves and be a part of that work. And, when it comes to legislation, I’m willing to put everything on the table for consideration. But…
You’re delusional if you think legislation alone will fix this.
I’ll tell you one thing that won’t fix this, and that’s more division and more hate. We better stop yelling and screaming at each other and hating each other. And we better start doing a better job of modeling love, humility, and commitment in our homes, our communities, and online.
But for now…I don’t want to argue politics or policies.
Now is a time for mourning. It’s a time to “weep with them who weep” (Romans 12:15b).
On a personal note, this one hits home a little because The Covenant School is a Christian school. And I’ve dedicated the lion’s share of my life to ministry, including Christian education.
I went to a Christian school from 3rd grade through 12th grade. I came back years later and taught at that same Christian school. Then, while living in Ohio, I taught at and helped lead another private Christian school. I’ve taught part-time at a Christian school close to my home. And I’ve been a full-time pastor for over 16 years.
My heart is in ministry and there’s a special place in my heart for Christian education.
And that heart is broken today.
Please pray for the people of The Covenant Christian School.
