Let's be honest...

This side blames that side and that side blames this side. Prayers are sent up and condolences are said. No one knows how to make mass shootings stop. No one knows why these things happen. Maybe they do. Maybe someone out there knows what's happening. All I know is that sad things will always happen. And blaming each other means nothing. It means absolutely, positively zilch when you blame someone else. The same goes for someone else blaming you. Why is blame passed around? Who knows? Today I'll be speaking about history and the effects of it as it leads to the learning that kids have in current times. And I'll be speaking about how people don't need a gun to hurt, kill or maim. I'm also willing to learn how to speak to the children in my home about what happens to those involved in school shootings or mass shootings.

The shooting in Florida is very sad. I will not deny that. I have my opinions. I grew up knowing how to use guns, rifles, and shotguns. Until I was in high school, I didn't realize the opportunity someone had to use evil to their own advantage. My parents did a wonderful job in teaching my sisters and me that not all those around the world are evil or use themselves for evil! Remember the Oklahoma City bomber, Tim McVeigh? He didn't use a gun. He used fertilizer to build a bomb. To be exact, he was convicted of use of a weapon of mass destruction, conspiracy use of a weapon of mass destruction, destructive use of explosives or incendiary devices and eight (8) counts of first-degree murder of eight (8) enforcement officers. He had two (yes TWO) partners in this crime. So what does this mean?

September 11, 2001. A date that doesn't need a definition. Several men who were religious extremists. They wanted to change the face of America forever. They did. These men believed in martyrdom to the farthest degree. The only martyr I remember right off hand is Steven in Acts 6:8-7:53. And I know there are more than just that one. Most of these men grew up in what would be considered normal families. And they were college educated. They used planes as weapons. So... What does this mean?

Adolf Hitler. A name that is known worldwide.  With his actions, 19.3 million civilians and prisoners of war were murdered via the gas chamber or some other harsh death. Another 29 million soldiers and civilians died in war efforts to help with this atrocious war. All it took was 7% to have all of this happen. Again... what does this mean? Tighten the gun laws. Take away every weapon from law abiding citizens. No. The Third Reich disarmed "unreliable" persons, especially Jews. Now given, no one can tell who is who in unreliable circumstances. I realize that most of the posts I've made have been about my job as a houseparent. I've said all of the above to say that I do have to explain certain things to the children in my home when and/or if they learn of a school shooting. I have yet to know what I should say. If you have ideas, let me know.