Anita Ojeda 
Why is the World So Full of Violence?
The second month of 2018 has only reached its halfway mark, and already five schools have come under attack. Gun-wielding people bent on violence and destruction steal the innocence of children and communities. Why?
I confess that as a teacher who works with traumatized children, I often wonder if when this could happen to me. They say that hurt people hurt people. And traumatized people traumatize people.
I wonder what I would do if I heard gunshots outside my classroom? Would I be like the PE teacher who threw himself in front of students to protect them? Would we tip over the giant conference table in my classroom and huddle behind it?
Samantha Grady, a young woman injured in the Parkland shooting, says that her friend ran with her behind a bookcase and urged her to grab a book to use as a shield. The friend did not survive. Why?
What kind of world do we live in that students learn to use books as shields and teachers go through mental scenarios of how to save their students should the worst occur?
The Problem with Asking, “Why, God?”
The Bible clearly states that we live in a world at war. Ever since the fall of man, the devil has warred for our affections and dominion over our lives. The problem? We get comfortable and forget that we live in a war zone.
We get comfortable and forget we live in a war zone. #tragedy Click To TweetI shouldn’t ask God, “Why?” because that’s asking a question I already know the answer to. Sin. Asking God why a tragedy occurs only bogs us down and fills us with despair. If we ask God why he allows these tragedies to occur, we ask the wrong question. The question we should ask is this, “How can I love?”
Sinful people in a sin-filled world have a difficult time loving. Especially in the face of tragedy. Twenty-some years ago, a college professor that I know* lost his daughter when she opened the door to a stranger’s knock. He and his wife, instead of focusing on the why question, chose to ask the how question. “How could they help the young man who had violently murdered their daughter?”
“Why?” seems like a pointless question—one that can bog us down in debate, recrimination, and anger. “How?” feels full of purpose.
“How can I help?”
Or maybe, “How can I show love?”
“How can I act as Jesus’ hands and feet?”
In the face of trauma and terror, I want to always ask “How can I show love?” What about you?
*You can find his story on Amazon (affiliate link)
Anita, what a great post. You put into words what I couldn’t quite manage. Asking “Why?” often leads to despair. We focus on the unknowns rather than on how to act in the midst. I was touched by what your college professor and his wife asked, “How can we love?” That is amazing. And such a good question to ask.
We may not ever find the answer to the Whys of life, but we can make an impact when we ask that question: “How can we love?”
Beautiful, my friend.
Amen! It’s not always easy to do. In fact, when we’re in the fright, flight, or fight mode, it seems nigh unto impossible. Only through grace.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Anita, a wonderful post. I so agree with you. We will never have the answers to our “Why’s” this side of eternity. Instead, may we ask, “How can we love?”. May we bow low before our God, asking Him to make us more like Him and impact those around us.
Beautiful and needed post for us all.
Joanne Viola recently posted…Why?
I always think of Chris Rice’s song about saving up questions for heaven whenever someone asks why.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
i agree, why can become a whirlpool that sucks us down. thanks for pointing us toward a better question!
As I look out over my classroom each morning, I pray that God’s teaches me how to love each of my students. I need to practice this when I encounter each person! What would happen if we said a prayer for everyone we came in contact with throughout the day?
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Absolutely. Fallen world, fallen people. But we are people of hope! Thank you for sharing.
And thank you for stopping by!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Actually there have not been “18 schools under attack” since the first of the year. As a Christian and Teacher I would expect more digging for the truth, rather than being driven by sensational headlines.
I apologize for the harshness of my previous comment, in regards to the rest of your article, well said.
No worries! This was written as part of a five-minute writing exercise (you can check out the details at http://www.fiveminutefriday.com). I stand corrected (and have corrected my statistics). The fact that even FIVE schools have come under attack is appalling enough (more schools had guns fired either into the buildings or inside the buildings).
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Have You Ever Regretted Taking a Trail?
Well-said. I like ‘how’ better.
Thank you, Andrew. I think you’re pretty good at asking how! You don’t waste time with ‘why’, but keep asking how you can reach other to minister to others, despite your circumstances.
Anita Ojeda recently posted…Let Light Transform You From Bleh to Beautiful
Anita, this is so important. Your question prompts us to look inside and see where we need help to reach others.
Amen!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…The True Meaning of Surrender
What a good perspective change Anita! As I struggle to make sense of all this violence your words have given me a new way to frame it. Thank you for sharing your wisdom. It’s given me a lot to think about! Cindy Wilkins
Thank you for stopping by, Cindy! May we continue exploring how we can love more!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…The Things that Motivate Me to Leave My Comfort Zone
Me too, friend, me too. “Love your neighbor as you love yourself.” I’m in the 50 spot this week.
And that’s the key, we have to learn to love ourselves as Jesus loves us so that we can turn around and love others!
Anita Ojeda recently posted…The True Meaning of Surrender
Thank you for sharing a much better question. We do need to love. And the wonderful thing is, Jesus has taught us how. I pray that more of us will take note and walk in it.
Kelly Blackwell recently posted…Why – Five Minute Friday
I appreciate your questions “How can I love?” and “How can I help?” so much. In a situation of despair they can open the door a crack to let hope in again.
Jeannie (#65 in the linkup this week)