Six days later, I still can't wrap my head around what happened in Newtown, Conn., and what has transpired after the tragedy.
Much has been written and spoken about the mass killing of 20 innocent elementary school children and 6 adults, including some brave teachers and administrators. There have been stories of heroism like the fatally shot teacher who saved lives by hiding her students in the closet and telling the gunman they were in the gym.
Unfortunately, also, some have chosen to push their agendas rather than take time to reflect on those who lost their lives because of an unfathomable act by a seriously disturbed and evil gunman.
Despicably, some atheists have seized the opportunity to taunt "where is God?" in an attempt to further detach this country of what it needs most in all areas -- the Healer, the One who can't be put into a box, explained like some black-and-white issue or understood by the human mind. As an old preacher used to say: "why" is God's question; ours is "how" as in how to we respond.
Then, networks, competing to get the story first, seemed to disseminate more inaccuracies than facts, some even plastering the wrong photo of the gunman.
Also, anti-gun proponents started pushing for gun legislation, literally, before the victims were laid to rest, and one group threatened to protest the funerals, most likely as a publicity stunt.
Lost in those antics are the victims, who did nothing more than show up to school one day. They were probably anxiously awaiting Christmas break and a visit from Santa Claus; instead their lives were ended before they could really begin.
Their memory deserves better than what happened in the aftermath of the shootings.
There is a time for mourning and a time for debate.
Rest assured, there will be plenty of time for politically charged conversations about gun control and discussions on mental health, an issue that needs to be brought to the forefront, quite frankly.
Immediately after a tragedy is not the appropriate time for rhetoric, in my opinion.
This is a time to pray for all of those affected by the shootings and to do all in our power to help them. It's a time for hugging our children and thanking God for each moment we have with them. It's a time to realize the importance of family and to be grateful for having loved ones in our lives.
It's a time for showing the love of Christ, something I'm guilty of failing to do at times.
I can't begin to imagine what the parents were going through as they went to the fire station to pick up their children, hoping desperately that they were there. Even more unthinkable is finding they aren't there.
With children the same ages as some of the victims, I can't imagine a more painful feeling. Parents shouldn't have to bury their children. My thoughts and prayers remain with their loved ones.
Christmas is days away, and we celebrate the birth of Christ.
May God provide the families with His peace that passes understanding.
mbrasfield@blythevillecourier.com