Pray for Arapahoe

"Tragedy should be utilized as a source of strength."

I am sitting in my class visibly shaking. 

My high school is on a lockout, because we are only a few miles away from Arapahoe High School. 

At Arapahoe High School, a shooting has just occurred. Again, Colorado has been struck by an unbelievable act of violence. 

But it is not only Colorado with these tragic events, it's everywhere. 

From the beginning of it all at Columbine (another Colorado high school, a mere miles away from my own) to Sandy Hook Elementary, these acts of violence seem to occur more and more frequently. 

Hearing that "Your school's under lock out. This is not a drill." Is the most chilling thing a student can hear. A child can hear. We're all still children, though we're in high school. 

It's unfathomable. Lives taken while sitting in a movie theater, walking in the mall, and simply sitting in a classroom. People of all ages are being delivered back to The Lord far too soon. 

High schoolers who just want to have fun and are just beginning to live are being senselessly killed.

Elementary school students, who have not even begun to live, are being ruthlessly murdered. 

I can barely imagine the fear students, faculty, and family are enduring at this very moment, only miles away from where I live. 

But I do know the fear friends are enduring. I am a friend to some of the students at Arapahoe and I am beyond terrified. I feel sick and scared. 

The one place we are suppose to be safe- school- has become one of the most unpredictable places. 

"We brave the bitter grief that comes and try to understand "

While the gunman committed suicide, the worst is not over. The healing process has only just begun. 

First there is "why?"  Why did this happen? Why do these things happen?

Then there is "who?" Who could have done this? Who does these sorts of things?  

Then there is "how?" How do these things happen? How can we stop it? How can we recover?

I do not know how long it takes students to feel safe again. I don't know how long it'll take for me to feel safe again. 

But I can't even imagine how the students of Arapahoe feel. 

I can barely imagine what it feels like to be sitting in the cafeteria or washing your hands in the bathroom and hearing gunshots. 

You're just sitting in class learning polynomial functions or about globalization when gunshots ring down the hallway. 

Suddenly, seconds drag by like hours. There are sobs and screams and chaos. 

The world seems to be spinning out of control. Your life seems to flash before your eyes and all you want is to be safe. 

Who and why are constant questions. As for the why part, sometimes we'll never understand. 

So just please pray or hope or whatever it is you do. Don't take anything for granted. Life is precious. So tell the people you love how much they mean to you. Hug your friends and family a little tighter. 

Take in account all the things you have to be thankful for. Maybe one day, instead of these tragedies occurring more, they'll finally disappear. 

#ArapahoeStrong