The news broke across the nation earlier today that an Army psychiatrist, Major Nidal Malik Hasan opened fire at Ft. Hood, allegedly killing 12 soldiers and wounding an additional 31 people. The investigation is ongoing as people are trying to comprehend exactly what happened and the motive behind the attack. It is the worst mass shooting on a military base in U.S. history.
These kinds of attacks--be it tragedies like Columbine or Virginia Tech--are always horrific. But especially where our military personnel are concerned. It is difficult enough knowing that such noble men and women are voluntarily putting themselves in harm's way. When that harm is perpetrated on a military base, a place of safety and security, the tragedy is that much more inconceivable. And for the families who already live in a state of concern for the safety of their loved ones overseas, to have such violence brought home is almost too much to bear.
For those of us not directly involved in this situation, at the very least let us keep this entire situation (and all of those affected by it) in our prayers. It will be difficult to try to understand the "why's" behind this senseless tragedy. We may never find sufficient answers to the many questions that we have. But I cannot imagine trying to deal with this kind of situation without being able to reach out beyond ourselves to God. There is at least some comfort in knowing that as the final Judge to who we are all held accountable, he will bring ultimate justice in the end. And beyond that, He is able to provide the victims and their families the "peace which transcends all understanding" (Phil. 4:7). 
Comments