April 16, 2007, Monday

When I heard about the Virginia Tech shooting from the radio, my heart was so saddened, and my stomach started to ache. The more I read about the news, the more difficulty I felt. I could not stop thinking about the parents of those victims.

I just could not imagine how hard it would be for the parents. Their children died in such a senseless, violent, ridiculous, ruthless act of crime. The pain must be so unbearable and unspeakable. No parents should have to go through this.

While I followed the developing news, I noticed some people chose not to pay attention to the tragic news. They do not want to get upset or depressed by the sad news. They chose to be ignorant, therefore their emotion won’t be influenced. They have happy life or dream to pursue. Their intention is understandable. But it is now beyond my comprehension.

In the mean time, I am surprised to be aware that, before Lydia’s ordeal, I used to feel uneasy around people with deep sorrow or with terrible suffering. It’s apparently terrible sin, the selfishness and the cowardliness.

But I have changed. Thank the Lord, through the suffering.

My heart aches with the parents. I deeply desire to weep with them and to grieve with them. I prayed for them constantly that the Lord comforts them every moments and protects them just like the Lord has been comforting me and helping me.

I want to be there where they are mourning. That is the place I belong, the mourning place, not the house of pleasure. (Ecclesiastes 7:4)