Helping Our Children Deal with Tragedy
Interview Opportunity with June Hunt
Sandy Hook Elementary School Shooting
(Dallas, TX) The weeks leading up to Christmas are typically filled with the rush of buying last minute gifts, proudly watching our children and grandchildren perform in holiday programs, and preparing our favorite treats to share with family and friends. But for those in Newtown, Connecticut, the tragic event of December 14 at Sandy Hook Elementary changed everything. Christmas in this small New England town will never be the same.
Heavily armed, and dressed in black fatigues and a military vest, 20-year-old Adam Lanza walked into Sandy Hook Elementary School, and within minutes, 20 small children and six women were dead. At the end of this senseless rampage, Lanza took his own life. The body of his own mother was later discovered at her residence.
As the devastating news broke, the question was immediately raised, Why? Why would anyone do this? Why didn’t God prevent this? At one time or another, we have all said in our hearts, Why? It’s just not fair! God, why would You allow the murder of innocent children? Left unanswered or incorrectly addressed, these questions can become the basis for either denying the existence of God or rejecting the goodness of God.
As the community of Newtown grieves, the rest of the world grieves as well. Encountering the stark reality of evil can test our faith. But we should remember that our God also faced evil. It was evil that put Him on a cross. Christ completely identifies with the suffering from evil hands. In His intimate union with believers, He suffers right along with us.
We mourn with those in Newtown who continue to grieve. We extend heartfelt compassion for the families of the victims (and also for the family of the shooter), and our prayers continue.
If you are interested in having June Hunt share with your listening audience the steps to take when talking with children or others about this tragedy, please call 972.212.9134 or e-mail [email protected].
SUGGESTED INTERVIEW QUESTIONS:
- In respect to so many people who lost loved ones during the recent shooting in Newtown, Connecticut at Sandy Hook Elementary, what were your own initial thoughts when you heard about the intentional mass murder of all these children?
- How can we help children who may be traumatized about what they’ve heard or personally experienced?
- What can parents who have lost a child do to help their other children?
- There has to be this one recurring question in everyone’s mind: Why would God allow this tragedy to happen to innocent children?
- We’ve had so many shootings much like this in the United States in recent years. If God is all good and all powerful, why does He allow evil?
- There is much talk in the media about how we deal with mental health. What are some of the warning signs parents, co-workers, or a spouse can be aware of? And, what should they do if they see these signs? Who should they tell?
- There are so many people who are dealing with the loss of their loved ones – some of them are able to grieve, while others are simply angry. What advice would you give family members who are helping a loved one through their trauma and grief?
- Sometimes when people go through tragedies, such as with the Sandy Hook Elementary shooting – they become so angry they turn away from the church and from God. What advice would you give this person?
