By MaQuettia “Denise” Ledet

Proverbs 11:14 Where there is no counsel, the people fall; But in the multitude of counselors there is safety.

Today I feel it would be best if we all turn our hearts toward Parkland.

Naturally, our thoughts and prayers would be with the students, families, and community; but is there a response from Heaven? How do we comfort those grieving while giving hope to cities who wonder if they’re school or city is next? I have been out of school many years now and I can’t even begin to fathom the thought of so much violence in the hallways. There’s a big age gap between my son and my siblings’ children, so we are surrounded by little people daily. One of my biggest concerns when the little people visit is that they are kept safe until returned to their parents. I recall my son staying the night with his godparents the night of his first birthday party. Around 5 a.m. I received a call telling me not to panic, but he was at the hospital. I later found that one the other children rolled over on him during the night and he had to be resuscitated. Upon arriving to the hospital, I learned that the paramedics couldn’t revive him, but doctor at the hospital took over and was able to get a pulse.

Those minutes, those precious minutes; there’s a million questions and no answers, only helplessness. I remember chaos hitting my thoughts and heart, even today as I wipe tears sharing this story with you. Every parent that entrusts the care of their child to someone else should feel confident that every measure is being taken to protect their child(ren). It doesn’t mean accidents won’t happen, but no parent (no love one) should have to endure a moment like Parkland.

When David arrived and saw this giant champion intimidating the king and the army, he offered a solution and a heart-gripping question, “Is there not a cause?” It appears that we need great minds to sit at the table of unity and map out a solution that tells our nation, “This will never happen again.” The left and right find little reason to stand or work together. As we look upon this giant terrorizing our nation, I’ll ask you, “Is there not a cause?” Can we counsel? Can we create balanced, integral policies while putting more counselors and social workers in the school? Can we pay attention to those troubled around us and appropriately respond to their silent cries? Can we meet on common ground and safeguard our future? So many questions to be answered. Blessings!

 

MaQuettia “Denise” Ledet is Senior Leader, Impact Orange