St. Francis Hospital Campus in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Photo courtesy TulsaMedicalInformation CC BY-SA 4.0
There comes a point when there are no words. We have seen the pain and devastation that mass shootings have placed on families, friends and communities. We have heard from those same individuals as they have cried out for action to be taken on gun control. We have heard from our politicians on both sides of the political aisle touting their position on this highly debated issue.
We have also seen that despite all of the cries, nothing changes. We go about our lives and wait for the next mass shooting and then wait for the barrage of arguments for and against measures to keep this from happening again.
While we debate the merits of stronger gun laws, parents, siblings, spouses and children are learning to live a new normal, a normal that means living without a loved one. We offer our thoughts and prayers, attend funerals and go back to our lives. But they must go on with an empty place in their hearts.
When will the bloodshed end? When will it be enough for our society and our government to take the necessary steps to end this senseless violence?
I believe hearts are so hardened that God’s voice is not being heard. I believe our eyes are closed so that God’s healing power is not being seen. But I also believe that God is still here, and it is up to us to hear God’s call.
We are once again devastated by the loss of life and injuries inflicted this week on the campus of St. Francis Hospital in Tulsa, Oklahoma. A place of healing became a place of violence. It is our prayer that God will guide the doctors, nurses, chaplains, social workers and others as they navigate this horrible tragedy in the days, weeks and months to come.
Rev. Dr. J. Herbert Nelson, II
Stated Clerk of the General Assembly
Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.)