The situation is sad enough, but leave it to media commentators and political pundits to make it worse. The motto rings true again, "Don't let a good crises go to waste." It is incomprehensible that individuals and groups strive to make gains with their political viewpoints in the midst of such tragedies. I guess this behavior simply reflects the cultural climate of modern times.
My hope and prayer is that some day we will become more aware of the people around us. Do any of our family members or friends exhibit signs of needing help? Do we recognize warning signs that a person in our midst is in danger of hurting themselves or others? Will there come a time when we acknowledge the need for a mental health evaluation utilizing the tools at our disposal including psychological assessments and spiritual direction?
The anxiety and stress in today's world is evident. Add to that any number of contributing factors and we see a disaster waiting to happen. Broken families, substance abuse, poverty, and a sense of hopelessness can contribute to some horrendous decisions. We may not be able to see these things all coming together to create a scenario for disaster, but once in a while I hope someone observes the warning signs and steps in to intervene before a tragedy happens again.
My dear Christian people, continue to pray. Get involved in your communities. Sitting on the sidelines doesn't improve the situation. Be the Light of Christ in your home, your church, and your community. The world is in desperate need to see your faithful witness to Jesus Christ.