The Devil in Adam Lanza and Gun Control

The evil crept up from behind and struck us without warning.  It had happened again to our horror.  A troubled youth’s rage went supernova and the guns in his hands did his bidding.  At this moment, it could seem like his diabolical plan has worked.   Adam Lanza chose to sow death.  He selfishly left the families in Newtown with the burden of having to reap the pain that goes hand and hand with the culture of violence propagated in this nation.  Insult is added to injury as these families are forced to mourn the loss of innocence on the world stage under very bright lights.  The issue of gun control is the hot topic of debate.  Everyone is galvanized, but it is much too late to save “our babies” and their teachers.  America has been misled into having the wrong discussion. 

Guns do not kill people.  People kill people.  I reject everything for which the NRA stands.  I advocate background checks for everyone wishing to buy a gun.  The process should be so invasive as to cause most people to refuse exposure to that type of scrutiny, resulting in a general lack of initiative.  I believe every red-blooded Americans should make the effort to abstain from sports like hunting and target shooting; it is a worthy endeavor if it spares just one child’s life.  But, there is a sort of wisdom in this saying which seems condescending and callous at first glance.  It raises the specter of nature versus nurture.  History proves humans are the ultimate predators.  Quarry falls at our feet because of pride, greed, or outright malice.  We will use our bare hands if no weapons are available.  This sickness in our society must be destroyed at the root.  This is not about pointing fingers.  Unfortunately, mental illness can be inadequately addressed or outright missed; that is a discussion for the medical community and law makers.  I am talking about the video games, TV shows, movies, and the trending comments on social media which glorify being cruel and sadistic. 

We should be talking about one nation under God.  I begin with a prayer for the families of Newtown.  May God take them into an embrace that shields them, consoles them, and takes what was meant for evil and make it good.  The fallen at Sandy Hook Elementary School will be honored when meaningful and last changes come about because of their sacrifice.  Americans must see the most troubling fact is that Adam Lanza WANTED to tear a wide, gaping hole through the collective hearts of Newtown by striking out at young children.  For whatever reasons, he gave into the destructiveness of a vengeance shall be mine mindset and rejected the always productive love thy neighbor as thy self attitude.  Guns became his weapons of choice only because they were readily available.  But, there were many other ways a human time bomb can wreak havoc.   

Violent behavior is in our nature, but our limitless capacity for love and kindness can be nurtured.  Submission to a vision greater than ours will be the first step.  God’s nature must be adopted by us wholeheartedly.  Prayer in our homes, in our schools, and in our hearts is the answer to bringing us into fellowship with each other and God.  Americans begin to reach for a higher standard of living when they become committed to seeking God’s face in moments of prayer.  The bar is raised when each one of us, young or old, fights to maintain serenity and an open heart when conflict arises; this resolve becomes even more important, in the darkest moments, when the battle is an internal one.  We all can become better women and men by spending more time in His presence. 

The children of this great nation deserve to have a future full of promise.  A changed society is what we adults must offer them.  It is foolhardy and dangerous to think stronger gun control laws, increased awareness of mental health issues, or even good intentions will be enough to usher in our salvation.  I am not naïve.  There always will be someone who is too far outside the bell curve and unable to conform to the accepted rules of society.  Violence will erupt even in the most prayerful of societies.  Monstrous and excessively brutal event like the massacre in Newtown get our attention, rightly so.  Yet, the little foxes ruin the vine as well.  Every day people all over America die at the hands of another.  The majority of the perpetrators are not mentally ill.  Some use guns and some do not.  There are children and adults who are standing at a crossroads, right now, desperate and enraged but not completely lost.  They are listening to the voices around them and inside them.  Can we even begin to hope a majority of them are hearing words of peace?  No.  That gift only will come with prayer and fasting.