I had planned to reflect on the season of Advent and what we do to prepare for the hope this season brings each year. And then I heard the news from Oxford, Michigan. A fifteen-year-old young man went into the school with a semiautomatic pistol and fired 15 – 20 times, killing four people and injuring eight more.
Sadly, the list of school shootings continues to grow. And somehow, the pain and sadness I feel today for everyone involved is no different than what I felt as I watched the tragedy at The University of Iowa, Columbine, Sandy Hook, and Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School. I wish I had an answer for why some of our children choose this violent way.
Our children are hurting. In ways we can’t possibly imagine. The ability to speak with one another online has helped with social connections. Unfortunately, it has also increased the amount of bullying that occurs. Sexual predators prey on those who are vulnerable, pretending to be just the person someone needs. The pressure to be accepted at the best colleges and universities, especially with how the pandemic has changed coursework, is greater now than ever.
Some will undoubtedly say that one or more of these factors contributed to what happened at Oxford High School. Today there are more teens who are hurting. I hope they will find the support, comfort, and love they need from the people in their lives.
I ask for prayers for the families and friends of the four teenagers who lost their lives. I ask the same for the shooter and his family. May we also offer a blessing for the quick response of the security guard and police. Please consider ways that our churches, here in the Midwest District can support the Oxford community and the United Methodist churches there. May the Lord continue to watch over each of us. And Amen.