The following is a letter that I sent to my students this morning and wanted to share with this community as I have been asked numerous times for my thoughts on the events of this past week...
If you would like to watch a reel about this you can click HERE!
Dear students,
I wish that I had some "great" words that could address and heal the events of these last days. I have been honestly speechless at things that have taken place across our country and our world and I weep for this season in time that you are experiencing. As a New Yorker approaching the anniversary of September 11th, this week always hits a bit harder, but the shocking shootings of Charlie Kirk and Evergreen School (and numerous other difficult items in the last week) has left this week with a heaviness that I know we all will not soon move on from.
And it appears that things just continue... even yesterday, there was a class of mine that was in a lockdown bringing things even closer to home. And while there are many thoughts, emotions, words, and feelings that people have expressed on social media, the news, in conversations at the grocery store, at the gas station, at Starbucks, and everywhere you go... I have felt at a loss of words.
How does one address the events of the past week in a concise and "neatly tied bow"? How do we approach circumstances like this that can make us question not only how these things can happen but why they are happening.
I don't want to add to the "noise" of all that you are hearing, reading and processing, but I do as your Professor want to say a few simple things to you that I shared with the class yesterday that experienced the lockdown.
First, I want to say how sorry I am. I don't see or hear a lot of people saying that, so first I want to say that to you. I am SO sorry that my generation couldn't get this right for you and that you live in the world that you do right now. I am sorry that you have inherited a world where violence, shootings, death, and fear is now the normal part of the stories that you see. I am so sorry that you have to think about going to school or an event on a college campus. These places should be safe and sacred and so I am so very sorry.
Second, it seems trivial to say to people "I am praying for you" in these types of circumstances... when things appear so dark and difficult and with little hope that the violence and possible fear you maybe experiencing will change in our world. I would agree that it sounds trivial but because I do believe in prayer, I want to share three specific things I am praying for you:
1. I pray that you have a safe space to process the events of this week - especially as you look to graduate and attend college in the coming year. Hearing that things happen on a high school campus (Colorado yesterday and numerous things prior to that) is frightening enough- but hearing that same violence possibly continues into the next stage of life into college or grad school can be difficult to process. So my first prayer is that you have a safe place to process all of the events of this week.
2. I pray that any fear is removed. Fear of the future. Fear of the "what ifs". Fear of speaking out for what you believe in or think. Fear of ideas. Fear of disagreements. Fear that college won't be as fun as you imagined. Fear that whatever year you find yourself in school/college will be marked by tragedy after tragedy. Fear of .... (insert whatever you are fearful of right now). I pray that fear is removed. During some of my dark and difficult days a verse that has brought me great comfort for fear is from Isaiah 35:4: "Tell those who are terrified, be brave, and don't be afraid. Your God will come... He will come and rescue you." So I pray that the fear is replaced with a steadiness that God is with you in these fearful moments and can handle all of the big questions and fears you have.
3. I pray that you will move boldly into the present and future that God has for you. In the event and death of Charlie Kirk, the Colorado School Shooting, the anniversary of 9/11, and so many other things it can be tempting to withdraw. Withdraw into hiding. Withdraw into numbing out through Netflix or other things. Withdraw from everything- but I am praying the opposite for you. I am praying that you move boldly into the present days of this year and then the future God has for you with courage. Each of you have a special plan and special gifts that the Lord has given you. I am confident that He has many good things in store for you and has unique stories He is writing for each of you (Psalm 138:8). I know I mention this when I introduce myself in the classes but I KNOW and am confident that you can and have the opportunity to change the world. I am cheering you on as our so many others. Our generation may not have been able to set the foundation that we dreamed (yet), but you have the opportunity to become one of the greatest generations and contradictions in History- the generation that wasn't known for the violence but for something completely different.
Each of you are in my prayers today and in the days ahead. I confidently and joyfully look forward to seeing you become all that God has in mind for you to be (Romans 5:2). If there is anything that I can ever do- please do not hesitate to reach out...
Warmly,
Professor VanDeMark
Professor VanDeMark
2 comments
It has been so shocking what has happened in the US over the past week. It makes me so sad. Something has to change...
ReplyDeleteAbsolutely Kim... it is beyond heartbreaking.
Delete