What is this world coming to?

I had a few thoughts concerning the horrible tragedy that happened last week.  As I learned of the shooting, I felt numb to it (sad, to admit).  It took me a day or to to become fully engrossed in it.  I have been thinking nonstop about the families of those children that were lost, the poor children who witnessed everything and will somehow have to cope for the rest of their lives, for the shooter, for his family, for the community, and for the world, really.  So many fingers have been pointed.  So many people have decided they need to blame something or someone.  I'm sure, if we all knew all the answers there would be something to blame and we would be correct, but we don't, so we aren't. 

I have been thinking of the Book of Mormon in the book of Alma.  Alma and Almulek were witnessing horrible things... murders of children.  Almulek asked Alma to stop it, using the Holy Priesthood.  Alma responded with.. The wicked must prove themselves.  The righteous, no matter the pain on earth will receive an award bigger than the tragedy. 

Not that I am downplaying this horrific occurrence at all!  The children who died last week are now sitting safely and lovingly by their Savior.  However, the wicked must prove themselves in this world.

Yesterday, I was sitting in church, singing my favorite Christmas hymn.  "I Heard The Bells on Christmas Day."

1. 1. I heard the bells on Christmas day
   Their old familiar carols play,
   And wild and sweet the words repeat
   Of peace on earth, good will to men.
2. 2. I thought how, as the day had come,
   The belfries of all Christendom
   Had rolled along th'unbroken song
   Of peace on earth, good will to men.
3. 3. And in despair I bowed my head:
   "There is no peace on earth," I said,
   "For hate is strong and mocks the song
   Of peace on earth, good will to men."
4. 4. Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
   "God is not dead, nor doth he sleep;
   The wrong shall fail, the right prevail,
   With peace on earth, good will to men."
5. 5. Till, ringing, singing, on its way,
   The world revolved from night to day,
   A voice, a chime, a chant sublime,
   Of peace on earth, good will to men!
6. Text: Henry Wadsworth Longfellow, 1807-1882
   Music: John Baptiste Calkin, 1827-1905 
    
    
   Of course my thoughts turned again to Connecticut, as they seem to with every subject.   I feel that the "what is wrong with this world," comment is answered here.   Hate is very strong and peace on earth seems, unreachable.  However, I have faith that the wrong shall fail and the right prevail.   I cant imagine all the pain the wrong and right will have to endure as we work toward peace on earth.  
    
   What a horrible Christmas memory these families and this community will have from now on.  What a big decision they have to make as to how to continue.  My deepest sympathies go to them.  I hug my babies a little tighter now, and kiss them with a little more intent.