The Virginia Tech sorrow

I've been processing the Virginia Tech sorrow for some time now. My heart is heavy and I'm moved to tears when I see the images of the students and faculty on the screen.

I think my heart is permanently bent for all college students from the time I lived in North Carolina near the campus of University of North Carolina Chapel Hill and my neighbors who attended Duke University. I understood the loniness of being away from home in pursuit of making a better life via academics or in my case, chasing stock options. The dreams, hopes and aspirations of these students came alive when I would sit on the porch of my apartment "holding court" with my neighbors or students I knew from the church I was attending.

"Hey Kerry, you're an old guy! Tell me about dating, forgiveness, what should I do about this life issue or that life issue..."

And yet, I'm in awe from these students who are in school soon to be lawyers, doctors, nurses, teachers... asking me for wisdom and assurance on life's issues. There's a tenderness and sincerity in their questions... Yes, I'm old enough to be their dad and often I was asked fatherly advice.

And today, I need some assurance from my Heavenly Father that will everything be fine. I can't make sense of the evil in this world... what could I possibly offer out of my own being and fiber of my heart and soul? I don't have the academic reasoning or the capacity to express my frustration other than to shed tears and take comfort for now in these words...

He gives beauty for ashes
Strength for fear
Gladness for mourning
Peace for despair

When sorrow seems to surround you
When suffering hangs heavy over your head
Know that tomorrow brings
Wholeness and healing
God knows your need
Just believe what He said

That's all I got for now... I need Peace for despair