Prayers for the Garrett Community

In light of some very unfortunate circumstances on Garrett’s campus yesterday, campus is buzzing with confusion, pain, anger and questions. Slowly but surely, folks (staff and students alike) are learning details of the events that unfolded. After a prayer meeting this morning, I am happy to have been offered another perspective from the one I had. There are two sides to every story, and in this situation, there are a great number of people to be cared for… not the least of which is the very one around whom this conflict revolves.

I was fortunate enough to meet with our Dean this afternoon, and it was reassuring to confirm that positive steps are being taken in all directions. Our faculty and administration really do genuinely care about our students, and I feel that the steps they have taken have been well thought out, positive ones. There are always things that could be done better, always “if… then” statements to be made… but the reality is, no one will ever know the answers to “what if” questions, and I fully affirm their decisions to take preventative steps, putting trust in the “safe way.”

I have not yet heard results from the meetings that took place a few hours ago. Nor have I stopped praying that whatever is best for both this community and the individual involved who is now (in many ways) isolated from this community is able to happen. There is a great deal of healing that needs to take place, and in the days to come, I pray we are able to walk together and allow movement of the Holy Spirit among us, in our hallways and conversations and frustrations and laments. I pray that our cries of pain and sorrow and confusion and isolation are heard, and that more importantly, we are able to feel God’s presence and movement among us as we seek peace for our community, school, and selves.