Yesterday, the record for the deadliest shooting in American history was broken by the tragic events which took place at Virginia Tech. An Asian male student who was a resident at their dormitory, opened fire upon classmates and teachers alike, slaying 30 people, before turning his gun on himself and committing suicide. Many students were wounded and are receiving treatment. However, the true scars that were left that day are not gun wounds, but wounds upon the very hearts and souls of those involved.

Something happens in each of our hearts and lives when we witness events like these on the news. The question arises, "Where is God in the midst of these sorrows?" In response, I suggest the question "Where was the church in the midst of these sorrows?" Yes, that's right - I believe a great deal of responsibility rests upon our shoulders. Where were the Christian students to carry the gospel to this Asian male? Today over the news, this young man is known simply as "the shooter". What we so often forget is that this student had a name; he had a family and dreams and ambitions for the future. He was a real person, with real hurts and pains within his life, just like the people we pass by and interact with on a daily basis.

The shooting rampage was a cry for attention. Try to understand the hurt and pain he must have endured, which caused him to bottle it up into the barrel of a loaded gun. Whenever these types of events happen in the news, we try to attach names to the perpetrators; we call them killers, lunatics - monsters. I disagree. These people are human beings. We each have the capability and potential to do wrong things within our lives; we have the tendency to make decisions in our lives which inadvertently hurt other people. No, this student at Virginia Tech is not a monster - he's achild of God who made wrong decisions and desperately needed the hope we have to offer.

One criminologist hypothesizes that the killing motivation of this student was failing a subject or important exam/assignment. Once again, the gods of education, success and pursuit of the American dream prevail. How many students today bear the burden of striving after success and riches, yet are living an empty existence inside? Unless you've experienced it first-hand, you will never comprehend the pressure placed upon many Asian students to pursue their parent's dreams and become successful in life. Imagine years and years of negative reinforcement from dictative parents. When your worth and acceptance in life is placed in an insignificant mark or grade point average, then sure - I can understand how a failed subject can be the end of the world.

But it's not the end of the world. What is a failed exam anyway, other than another chance to pick yourself off the floor and learn from your mistakes? The words of Jesus echo softly for anyone who is willing to hear: What does it profit a man to gain the whole world and yet forfeit his soul? Life is so much more important than the food we eat, clothes we wear, jobs we get and cars/homes we own. Sadly to some, life has become the pursuit of these eternally inconsequential matters. Sure, some people will argue that these things are important when you're living in the REAL WORLD. My advice? Fine, go ahead and pursue them - but don't lose your soul along the way; don't lose the special part of you that makes you, you. There is so much more we were all meant to live for. Let's just make sure we don't miss the entire forest for a single insignificant tree.

Today my prayers are with the friends and family of Virginia Tech. Many students remain traumatized by the events of yesterday's shooting. Many parents are gripped by fear and concern for their students who remain at the school. While still others, the friends and family of those involved, are mourning bitterly for their lost loved ones. I can only pray that God might grant peace and mercy to those who have been affected by this turn of events. My prayer is also that the church might rise up to proclaim the message of love and forgiveness that Christ so painfully purchased for all upon the cross. Imagine the impact the knowledge of forgiveness would have made within the life of that one Asian student after he flunked his course? Now imagine the same, powerful impact you have the potential to unleash upon an unsuspecting, hurting person today. God bless you and have a great week.