Finding Hope and Inspiration Amidst Horror

At this hour of national grief and outrage over the latest gun massacre of innocents, we search for some light to come out the darkness, something upon which we can hang our hat to provide hope for humanity, and as is often seen amidst such horror, it is found in the actions of courageous and selfless individuals.

Heroism and putting children first materialized instinctively and instantaneously among those that were under attack at Sandy Hook Elementary School. Principal Dawn Hochsprung and school psychologist Mary Sherlach reportedly ran toward the crazed killer, attempting to subdue him in an effort to shield the students. Both were slain. Teachers and other school personnel responded like champions, making every effort to get the children to safety. Were it not for their actions, more would surely have been shot.

I imagine that those who gave their lives in an effort to save children would say that they are simply doing their jobs. I believe that plunging headfirst into extraordinary danger with no concern for one's own safety constitutes far more than that. 

In a world in which the word "hero" is so often misused and degraded, applied to mere professional athletes for superior play, there were true heroes at Sandy Hook Elementary School on a fateful day in which sadly, hatred and baseless rage triumphed. May the community and the nation draw strength and hope from their actions. The memory of those that were killed while acting out of concern for others shall always be a blessing to Newtown, Connecticut and to people of goodwill everywhere.