Today we are all Hokies...

The past days have been emotionally charged all across the nation, but especially here in Virginia, as we have watched and listened to the tragic reports from the Virginia Tech campus.

I think the sentiment that I have heard numerous times today, that on this day we are all hokies, is so true. Each of us have been affected by this tragedy, and hearts are breaking all across America.

This makes me wonder why? Why do we all feel the effects of an event that happened in a small town in the mountains of Virginia?

There is such a beautiful sense of community that arises out of tragedies such as this. Across the country, we mourn with those who mourn. My wish is that those directly affected by the shooting at VA Tech will feel our embrace as we mourn their loss with them.

I pray that in this tragedy many people will come to know the hope that is only found in Jesus. In this very hopeless situation in which evil is so obvious, may eyes be opened to see the grace, strength, and peace that give us hope in Christ.