Dear Faculty and Staff,
I awoke this morning with pain in my heart and a remembrance of my birthday. It is one I will never forget. As of this morning, 19 children and 2 adults have been taken from us and are now home with the Lord. The tragedy of yesterday in Texas, is a reminder that the our next breath is not promised to us. Last night we sat with our 11 year olds, to try to explain to them why someone would go into a school and kill nineteen of God’s precious children. We tried to explain to them that God is still in control. We tried to explain to them that they need not worry when they go into school today. We tried to explain to them that things will get better, that those in charge would work to improve the lives of its citizens. Also, that we all can talk to God about what happened and pray to Him that His mercy would reach all the families who are hurt. We hurt inside for them. Jesus can feel their hurt too and give them help and comfort inside.
My prayer this morning is for the families of those who we lost yesterday. I ask you to join me in extending prayers for the mothers and fathers who have lost their sons and daughters. I ask you to pray for the gentle comfort of the Holy Spirit to meet each one in their pain. I ask you to pray for the siblings who are left behind to ponder, “why not me, and why my brother and/or my sister.” Please pray for the school teachers who were there and the impact it will have on their lives. Pray for the community that has been impacted through this, that they will grieve, care, and come together to support each other.
Pray for each person and the trauma that is and has been experienced. Jesus promised when He departed, that He would send the Holy Spirit, the Comforter. Our Comforter is so needed in this hour; so pray that the Holy Spirit will galvanize the affected, the community, and even our country. Pray for the family of the perpetrator—the pain they feel from the pain inflicted by one of their very own. Pray that somehow God can use this all to expose them to His peace and hope, in their lives as they move forward.
Finally, I ask you to pray for those in authority, our politicians, and those who can bring about change with policies and procedures that can lead to the protection of our loved ones. Pray that somehow, God can use this event to impact change upon this country that those in charge can be surrounded with men and women of character who can influence them for better and to see transformation truly happen.
Pray that God will use this somehow to impact lives and bring others to the foot of the Cross.
Thank you for hearing me and let us continue to pray. As I said this is one birthday that I will not soon forget.
Blessings to you.
Dr. Hayles
