Knitted Candles

Hey guys. It's me again.

Two posts in a week...kind of crazy, right? But, if I say so myself, it's been a pretty crazy week, especially here on my campus. It's been a week of prayer and of patience, one that's sent me thinking a lot.

Yesterday morning, a little past ten....10:16 AM, actually.....everyone on campus received an alert saying that there was an "active shooter" in a building not far from where I sat. It was a moment of...wait, what? This happens on other campuses...in different parts of the country. Not here. Not me. Not now.

I waited it out. I waited to see what else was said while my professor continued to teach. Doors were locked, people quieted down. I texted my parents, my friends, my sisters, let them know what was happening, that I loved them, and that I'd give them more information when it was available.

And then the second text pinged that the suspect had moved across campus. And people started to freak out.

Needless to say, it was a long twenty minutes of confusion while the "suspect" moved from building to building, phones lighting up and going off as people contacted loved ones, ones on campus, social media...the works. For me, it was a mad dash to text everyone I could think of that I loved them, and that whatever happened, it would be alright. And it was a long twenty minutes of silent prayer, that no one would get hurt. That the man would be caught. That it would all be over. And thanking God for all the moments He had given me.

After twenty minutes, the all clear was given-he had been caught. He was in custody, and campus was safe. There were a series of events after that moment, including a 'second scare'-people came running back in, lights were shut off, the masses were huddled under the tables, against the walls, away from the windows, texts with various accounts of what was happening going off every few seconds-but it all boiled down to one conclusion. No one was hurt. No one had even been armed. And everything was going to be okay.

The campus was flooded with police, sirens, SWAT...everything. And in those few dark moments under the tables, doors locked,  it felt like madness. Looking back on it now, many people say our campus was crazy...making a big deal out of nothing at all, causing panic amidst a tiny event.

But my perspective is this...the fact that the campus police and defense made a big deal out of nothing makes me feel a lot safer than if they had done nothing about a big deal. Our campus was instantly a family, looking out for one another when nothing was clear, and everything felt like it was on the line. And though there was never any real threat, I certainly won't complain that we had to hide under the tables for a bit of confusion. It could have been much, much worse. And the response campus had was one of strength and unity...not fear.

It was a stressful day on all accounts, but despite the confusion, I was at peace with the fact that, no matter the outcome, God was working. Whether the outcome was good or bad...it didn't matter. God was in control, and all I could do was praise Him.

I had intentions of writing something completely different this evening, and just giving a short blip of yesterday's events, but as you can see, it turned into something a little more. But that's how yesterday felt. Twenty minutes felt like ten years.

But I was okay-for the entire experience, I was at peace. And I thank God for that one. Even more, I thank God that everyone was safe. And the alleged "shooter" will continue to stay in my prayers.

I love all of you, very much, and I hope that you always know that. That someone loves you, and is praying for you. And hopefully I will see you all again in a few days, my knitted candles. Stay beautiful, and stay safe. I love you guys.