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At a loss over school shootings

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The VOICE of Inspiration

By Don Lindsey

The shooting on Valentine's day at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland left me feeling a lot like so many others that heard the news. There was, and still is, a great deal of empathy and sadness for those and the families of those hurt or killed. There's also a considerable concern as a parent because that shooting was reportedly the 18th such incident so far this year. I am beginning to worry when my kids go to school in the morning and that I think speaks volumes for itself.

Given what I've seen from interviews and other media coverage, I know that I'm not alone in my concern. Watching the events from Wednesday play out was a severe warning that these types of horrendous acts can happen anywhere. According to multiple news broadcasts that I watched on the shooting, Parkland was a quiet community, and various residents that I saw interviewed were shocked that something like that would happen in their town. While it is essential to understand the fact that these attacks do not discriminate and can happen anywhere, I also think that the number of these type of events that have occurred so far this year is the most concerning.

I know that there will be a lot of political discussion about gun control, mental health and other factors that we usually see when a tragedy such as this happens. A debate about these issues is always good, but I'm not going to go in a political direction with this article and to be honest, I'm not sure how I feel anymore. I grow more and more concerned each time a human being finds the hate in their heart to kill other human beings. More than that, the alarming rate that these attacks are happening at, leads me to worry that we're heading in a direction that we may not be able to recover from. A direction that is driven by hate and fear.

I don't believe that we have to live with that hate or fear. I still have hope that my children and their peers will learn from our mistakes and the state of the world around them now and make choices to bring back a more selfless mindset.

As I've mentioned before in past articles, I see examples of a great future every day in my children. I see them strive for getting the most out of their lives while still worrying about those around them. We have had quite a bit of conversation about the February 14th shooting. They've put my mind at ease with explaining all of the safety protocols that their schools use to keep them safe.

It crushes me that in this day and age a shooting drill is just as important as a tornado drill but am very grateful that the schools have plans in place to combat dangerous situations. I also saw the hurt in their eyes when talking about 17 people that they've never met who was killed and concern they showed for those injured. Their serious nature when talking about their safety along with the compassion for others gives me all the hope I need for their well-being now and in the years ahead. While I often find myself at a loss when an event like the Parkland shooting happens, I know that all is not lost when it comes to our future.

Don Lindsey is a follower of Christ, son, husband, father, and a survivor. Originally from Dayton Ohio, and resident of Apopka for six years, Don sees his life as a dedication to his wife, parents, children, and community.

Don Lindsey, Inspiration

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