Unspeakable

I am not a journalist, and have never claimed to be one. My first major in college was electrical engineering, and finished in the meteorology program at Mississippi State. I can’t imagine having to cover a story like the one today at the elementary school in Connecticut. These are just some thoughts I needed to write down after what happened earlier today.

I heard of today’s massacre as I walked out of an elementary school. You see, I am in an elementary school almost every day during the school year doing science programs, unless I have a hospital board meeting, function involving ABC 33/40, or something else I have to do. I understand the culture inside elementary schools better than most. I have worked in children’s ministry for 25 years; I lead children’s worship Sundays at a Shelby County church.

*TEACHERS ARE HEROES. I would imagine many lost their lives today at the school in Connecticut today trying to protect the lives of those children under their watch. These men and women perform a thankless job; every single day they are not only teaching kids, but also protecting and nurturing them. You would not believe the number of kids that are hurting in our schools; so many of our families are in crisis and the teachers are often the glue that holds the life of a child together. Their encouragement, protection, and discipline are important beyond words. Teachers are hard workers, determined, brave, and they are motivated by the love for these kids. We don’t thank them enough. My mom was a teacher.

*THIS CAN HAPPEN ANYWHERE: While I was doing a weather program at a local school last school year, a “code red” alarm sounded. This is a case where a likely gunman is inside the school building, and the kids and teachers are instructed to turn out the lights and literally hide without making a sound. Sure, I know it was most likely a drill, but for a few fleeting moments my mind wondered… what if this was the real deal. I have lived a long, good, blessed life, and it really didn’t matter if it was the last day for me, but I thought about the teachers and kids huddled up in that room. I heard a single person walking down the vacant hallway, and for the first time in many years I actually felt fear. When I peeked out the window and saw it was a Hoover police officer, I almost wanted to hug him.

But, this experience reminded me this CAN happen anywhere, and no security system is fool proof.

*STOP THE POLITICAL FOOLISHNESS ON DAYS LIKE THIS: I don’t care if you are liberal, conservative, or anything else. On the day of a humanitarian disaster NOBODY should be spouting political hate on either side. Give it a break. Please.

*LIFE IS SHORT: Every day is a gift. We should celebrate each day instead of whining, moaning, and complaining. Sure, we all have problems, but if you are alive and reading this, you are blessed. Hug your kids and tell them you believe in them and love them. You might not have tomorrow for encouraging words.

*WE ARE LOSING OUR WAY: First indications are that the gunman perhaps had some type of mental disorder, but one way or another I sure get the idea our nation is slowing losing the knowledge of the difference between right and wrong. There is absolute truth, and life is truly precious. We must turn away from evil.

I have two videos below. One is the raw KIDCAM video today from Elvin Hill Elementary; right after this was recorded I walked to my car to hear of the horrible situation in Connecticut. As this KIDCAM video was being recorded, the kids were being shot in Connecticut. I would imagine many of those who died were this age… these kids are 5 and 6 years old. The second video is a reminder of the great hope we have at this time of the year… this video is by some of the children under my watch at Double Oak Community Church.

Let’s pray for our nation tonight.

What Christmas Is All About from James Spann on Vimeo.

Tags: unspeakable

Category: Hodgepodge