Perspectives on Violence

Loss, Suffering, Healing, Growing

As the new school year begins, we look back to our experiences of Columbine, Conyers, GA and the many “copycat” incidents throughout the country. The shift in American society to unrest, anger, and unstable family life has led to more and more violence in our schools. This shift has many victims—chief of whom are our children.  Nearly three million crimes occur on or near schools every year (Southeastern Regional Vision Center, 1992). One hundred thousand students are reported to carry guns to school. (National Education Association 1993) and one million, two hundred thousand latchkey children arrive at home where there are guns (Children Defense Fund). We often, like Job, feel like saying: “Behold I cry out, Violence! But I am not answered. I call aloud, but there is no justice.” (Job 19:7)

When trauma happens to children, or is witnessed by children, their natural reaction is fear. That fear is not merely for themselves, but becomes generalized to others for whom they care and are attached. The world, all at once, becomes a place that is frightening and full of harm. Parents, teachers, and other adults are primary to children re-establishing a sense of security and peace.

The Christian parent and the Christian educator must be prepared for troubling times.  Translating the Lord’s love and peace to children is a step in changing a violent society.  We can teach our children that they can talk out, rather than fight out, their anger. We can shelter them from the storm of violence when possible; and when that is not possible. We have the faith resources to walk with them through the aftermath. Jesus said, “Peace I leave you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.  Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27)

Ways Parents can Help their Children in Violent Times

• Spend time with your child. Just being with them denotes protection, love, and security. It says “I care for you, I’m here.” 

• Listen to and observe your child’s thoughts and emotions. For young children, help them label their feelings, such as mad feelings, sad feelings, glad feelings, and scared feelings. Perhaps use pictures to help them tell how they feel. For teenagers, share with them what you might have been feeling in the situation ... or that many people would have similar feelings in that situation.

• As adults, we may also have strong feelings about a traumatic event. Because of our bond with our children, it is often hard for us to listen and share when we also are hurting.

• Together, share your fears and concerns with Christ.

Ways Schools can Help during Violent Times
Develop a school crisis plan so that the school can respond appropriate and in Christian love.

• Select and train a crisis team.

• Develop a crisis communication system.

• A signal for children to stay inside the room or building.

• A signal to return to the room or building.

• A signal to fall to the ground in the event of an attack.

• A communication procedure for working with the media

• Prepare a building plan. What changes or adjustments are needed to meet a crisis situation?

• Develop a lock-down procedure.

• Develop a flowchart of responsibilities. Who is in charge? Of what?

• Train staff in crisis intervention and classroom defusing techniques.

• Study church and school policies and procedures. Know your basic legal rights.

Be aware of at-risk children in the school. Watch for warning signs. Warning signs of youth associated with violent death:

• Resorts to name calling or abusive language

• Makes violent threats when angry

• History of tantrums and uncontrollable angry outbursts

• Previously brought a weapon to school

• Background of serious disciplinary problems at school and in the community

• Drug, alcohol, or substance abuse

• On the fringe of the peer group with few or no close friends

• Preoccupied with weapons, explosives, or other incendiary devices

• Been truant, suspended or expelled

• Displays cruelty to animals

• Little or no supervision and support from parents or a caring adult

• Witnessed or victim of abuse or neglect

• Blames others for difficulties and problems

Partner with and support the parents and caregivers of at risk children and mentor at risk children.

Helpful Thoughts from Scripture
John 1: 1-5: In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was in the beginning with God, and all things were made through him, and without him was not anything made that was made. In him was life, and the life was the light of people. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

And the Light, Jesus, tells us in John 16: 34: In the world you have troubles; but be of good cheer, I have overcome the world. 

St. Paul speaks to us in Romans 12: 9-12: Let love be genuine; hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good; love one another with brotherly affection; outdo one another in showing honor. Never flag in zeal, be aglow with the Spirit, serve the Lord. Rejoice in your hope, be patient in troubles, be constant in prayer.

And in I John 4: 5: For whatever is born of God overcomes the world; and this is the victory that overcomes the world, our faith. Who is it that overcomes the world, but he who believes in Jesus as the Son of God.

In conclusion, we can hold fast to our hope, be patient in troubles, hate what is evil, hold fast to what is good, and be zealous in our love and service to God and his people. We can be vessels through whom the Light shines and the darkness will not overcome.