Virginia Tech. (Thoughts)

Of all the things I have read since the unfolding of events at Virginia Tech, I think this is quite possibly the best explanation and best argument for our next step.

From: Desiring God Blog

"While others are already making the Virginia Tech massacre a political issue and looking vehemently for someone to blame, let us remember that “the heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately sick” (Jeremiah 17:9).

Our hearts and the murderer’s.

No x-ray machines, revised gun laws, or fired college presidents will solve the problem. We need new hearts (Ezekiel 11:19, John 3:3). We need Jesus."


Regardless of one's religious or spiritual disposition, I would argue this as truth - we need new hearts. We can shift blame to a variety of things - video games, dysfunctional relationships, gun-control, etc. - but what made that man kill yesterday was something dark within himself. All these other things, if anything, simply facilitated it. We must change our hearts - who we are - to change what we do.

I urge everyone to be silent, at least for now. Use this silence to pray - for the families of those who lost lives yesterday. For the identified shooter's family (who will no doubt enter into just as tumultuous times soon). For our own families and friends who weren't involved, but just as easily could have been.

Remain silent until the right time comes. And in that time let your words bring forth not hate, or blame - but love, encouragement, forgiveness, and support. The people who are left behind do not need increased campus security, or amended laws, or political and social speculation. They need the intimate, personal support of a community and a nation. Let us be that support.