I have noticed that some people are feeling guilty because they don't, "feel" worse about this event. That in some way they have become jaded or insensitive to the need. This is causing feelings of guilt and depression which only adds fuel to the fire. So let's deal with this.
Every thought you have goes through your emotions before it reaches your logical/rational center of your brain. In other words, you feel before you think. Your brain is designed to multitask some important actions at the same time. Breathing, thinking, seeing, etc. So when something so horrific as a mass shooting presents itself, your brain will lock up, thus protecting the other functions from pain.
Recently we have gone through a hurricane. Watched another tear through the Caribbean. Watched Mexico City dig out from under the rubble and the Northwest sift through the ashes after 1.2 million acres burned. That's just the short list. Add to that the everyday serious needs people have and you can understand why our brains just go, "Nope, not going to do it today."
What can you do?
#1 - It takes time. It is commonly accepted that after a death or divorce it takes about a year to recover. Allow yourself to grieve but take your time.
#2 - Deal with your emotions, not someone else's. If you are working with someone close to the shooting, this doesn't apply. But there are a large number of people on television and the internet who are making incredibly emotional comments. Some of them are trying to push your buttons. Don't let them get to you.
#3 - Saturate your soul before the next big event occurs. Yes, something else will happen. But next time when this event crashes into your brain can be prepared.
Therefore, preparing your minds for action, and being sober-minded, set your hope fully on the grace that will be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ (1 Peter 1:13).
Remember, emotions tell us how we feel, they cannot tell us how to think.
#4 - Be thankful. "I don't understand this!" Good. To understand the evil that brought this about is deep and dark. The fact that you can't go there is a good thing.
After Hurricane Andrew I was depressed for months. I wasn't prepared for it. Some might suggest I had been suffering from PTSD. All I know was, I couldn't get over it. After 9/11 I struggled for weeks, as did many people, trying to come to terms with what had happened. I even felt guilty about getting on with my life while others couldn't.
PRAY: Dear Jesus, allow my thought to be Your thoughts. AMEN
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