I almost didn’t join Five Minute Friday today when I saw the prompt was “Why”. With everything going on in the world around us, I knew it was going to be difficult to write something meaningful in the wake of such tragedy. Yet, here I am. Thoughts have been pounding around in my head and so with prayer, here I go. I am sure you will find many moving posts to read today over at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com
Time starts now.
“”But Jesus called the children to him and said, “Let the little children come to me, and do not hinder them, for the Kingdom of God belongs to such as these.”” Luke 18:16 (NIV)/ Pixabay
The call came over the intercom. Door locked. Lights off. Curtain on door drawn. Blinds shut. Table in the corner of the room turned on its side. Precious Second Graders huddled low behind the table. Roll taken. These were the steps I followed in my classroom every time a “Code Red” drill was scheduled. With each action, my heart beat a little faster as I tried to move with confidence and put on a brave face. No matter how many times we went through the practice though, worried “whys” tumbled from the tiny lips of my students. “Why do we have to do this?” “Why would someone want to hurt me?” And each time I would try to quiet their souls with the best answers I had, which between you and me, were weak at best, because I had (and have) the same “whys” they did!
During every drill, I made a promise to those nervous, wide-eyed babes; “I’ll do everything in my power to keep you safe. No. Matter. What.” But could I? Oh, I had plans and ran through scenarios in my mind. But the news had shown me way too many times that despite heroic effort, my promise could be hard to keep. And so my “whys” just kept coming. It was the stuff my nightmares were made of!
Fast forward to today. I’m retired now and so thankful that in my 32 years of teaching I only heard “Code Red” as a drill. Even though I’ve had to imagine what a school shooting would be like, I cannot fathom what those involved go through. Why was I spared when others have suffered so? Why are children becoming murderers? Once again, I only have weak answers.
You and I know that the “whys” aren’t just confined to the classroom. They tumble from lips in our homes, our workplaces, our churches, and in the world. It’s easy for me and maybe for you too, to get so lost in the “whys” of it all that we forget the Who.
Jesus said:
“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart: I have overcome the world.” John 16:33 (NIV)
There’s so much suffering everywhere we look. My tendency is to question and to want to somehow understand the purpose in it all. Depending on myself or the opinions of others though, just leaves me asking more questions. Can you relate? I’m learning that instead of those “whys” we need to be WISE and depend on Jesus. When we do, we can take heart in The Promise that is never broken, The Peace in the midst of chaos, and The Only Answer that can overcome the whys of a troubled world.
I invite you to join with me right now and say a prayer for all those who are suffering.
Good thought! Focus on the Who not the why.
I don’t understand the world today but I do understand who I better cling to!
Amen to that Jerralea! Thanks for taking the time to comment!
Like you I was tempted to not write when I saw the prompt. What could I say? I chose to apply the” why” to a subject I had a better handle on. I enjoyed reading your perspective, and I am praying with you.
Thank you Carol. I did start and stop a couple times but the words came together. Continued prayer for children everywhere and those caring for them is definitely needed!!!
Beautiful and well said as always!
Thank you Nancy! I’m never sure, so I appreciate your comments!
Gently, yet wisely written
Thank you Leslie! Your words mean a lot to me!
Beautiful post Cindy. I grew up in California until I was in my late teens. We used to have earthquake drills and fire drills. I had a classmate with diabetes who would go into shock and so we were prepared to help him if needed. We never had to have a Code Red. It breaks my heart.
Thank you for your years of teaching.
I appreciated your post a great day.
Visiting from FMF
God bless you
Kelly! I grew up in California too! And….had earthquake drills! I never thought about what a responsibility for us our teachers felt back then, but I sure know now! It breaks my heart to know what children must face today! The worry drains your soul as you work with them everyday. I so appreciate your kind words! Thank you for taking your time to comment!
Amen, and amen. Even so, Lord Jesus, come! Every positive relationship we build with a hurting person, every prayer we say, every smiles we extend to a stranger counts.
You are so right Anita! Going that extra mile with kindness makes a big difference! I used to pray around my classroom before or after school. I believe it made a bigger difference! Thanks for popping in!
Wow! What a perspective you have on this. Both of my parents are teachers, and I have become so fearful for them. It is so wise to depend on Jesus.
Amber, when I began teaching I would have never imagined fear would become part of being a student or teacher. I pray your parents will like me, have a career without attack! Jesus is our only refuge for sure! Thank you so much for stopping by!
So good and timely. Thank you for not remaining silent on this week’s prompt.
Oh Carol, I appreciate your kind words. I have to admit, I stopped and started several times. Thanks for taking time to comment!