Gun Problem or Love Problem?

For the past few days, the nation has been reeling from the tragedy in Newtown.

Those faces... those names... play over and over in my mind.

I find myself weeping when I think of the lonely holiday ahead for their families.

And hugging my little ones just a tad bit tighter.

When I drove my girls to school this morning and got out, there were sheriff's deputies in the hallways.  They walked up and down, looking in the classrooms where the littlest scholars sat at their desks.  Parents shared nervous half-smiles as they passed on the sidewalks, and a few moms wiped tears discreetly on their way out the door.  As I was walking to my car, I looked up at the flag flying half-mast, a visual reminder of the horror that took place last Friday morning.

What a scary world we live in.  I'm so glad it is not my home.

I sat Savannah down over the weekend to discuss the tragedy with her.  I explained what had happened in a brief factual manner.  I wanted to be certain that she didn't hear the news from another child on the bus.  I also wanted her to know that I would be honest with her, and she can trust me.  After I explained, she then had the opportunity to ask questions.  Her first question was the same as mine.

"Why would someone hurt little children?"

In some ways, I wish I knew the answer.  In other ways, I hope I never understand.

I've heard much debate about where God was in this situation.  How could a loving God sit back and allow 20 young children to be viciously murdered?  What kind of God is that?  You know, the thing about God is that He isn't a babysitter.  He isn't responsible to sit back and prevent bad things from happening.  That would be nice, of course.  But that isn't how things work.  I believe that God allows free choice.  He doesn't create robots to do His bidding.  And sometimes we as humans make very poor choices.  At that point, I don't believe it is God's job to step in and prevent us from making those decisions.  He allows us to suffer the consequences.  And in giving us free choice, sometimes others get hurt.  Sometimes tragedy occurs.

Savannah then suggested, "Mom, if the man was mad, why didn't he just talk to someone?"

She raised a very good point.  And one that I think is important to address.

Have you ever known someone with mental health issues?

They are typically shunned.  Even more so than those with physical issues.  They are isolated from society... because we do not understand them.  Their inability to function just as we do makes us uncomfortable.  So we steer clear of them, and with our cool popular normal friends we snicker about their strange behavior.  

Which is totally unfair because they are already so uncomfortable and frustrated...and then isolated as well.

Do you know how difficult it is to get medical help for those with mental health issues?

It is like trying to find a redneck who doesn't like sweet tea.

Impossible.

So we basically set up the perfect storm.  A child who is frustrated and overwhelmed with no one to talk to... and deny them most treatment... you know... because mental illness isn't "real."

Now I'm going to say something really provacative.

It really shouldn't surprise us when we have school shootings.

The answer to this issue isn't gun control.  

It isn't about blaming God for turning His back that day.

It isn't about adding metal detectors or homeschooling our kids.

I think it is a love issue.

When Christ came, he didn't come and hang out with the cool kids.

He came for the broken.  The abnormal.  The outcasts.

He came to show them love.

And those who bear the name "Christian" are supposed to be imitators of Christ.

I don't really think that means we hang out with the people who are just like us and politely back away from those who are different or uncomfortable.

I think it means we love unconditionally.  We offer the hope we have within.  

We are the listening ear... even when the ramblings make no sense.

We are the ones who say to society... hey... different is okay.

Its a love issue. 

As a parent, I want to raise a child who befriends the friendless.

But to be that parent, I have to first be that person.

I wonder... when someone like Adam Lanza decides to shoot innocent children... is that decision made in a moment?  Or is it a lifetime of isolation, frustration, and loneliness that culminates in an unforgettable tragedy?  I wonder how many Christ-followers ignored Adam?  How many made fun of him?  How many doctors refused to see the issues?  How many insurance companies denied treatment?

Mental health treatment is a multidimensional issue.  And we can't fix the problems overnight.  But here is what I can do in my own home.  I can create an environment where differences are welcome.  I can encourage my children to be friends to those who aren't friendly.  We can embrace unique qualities in others.  I can be a friend... and teach my children to listen to others.  We can pray for those our family comes into contact with.  We can try to see the world as Jesus did. 

We can start today...

...and I can think of about 20 reasons why we should.