[joanie-f]

No innocent person should die at the hands of another. But somehow the tragedy of innocent death is magnified when the victim is a child. And when that child is a small Amish girl who is murdered execution style in her little one-room schoolhouse, the mind somehow cannot wrap itself around the idea that such depravity exists.

Where in the ranks of humanity does one come across a man who could bind such a young child, force her to stand in front of a blackboard in her classroom, point the muzzle of a gun at hear head, and shoot her dead?

The Amish are not a caricature of a people. They are a people who, while the rest of us have grown soft and complacent, continue to embody all of those time-honored character traits that the American pioneers mustered from within in order to build the most decent, moral, prosperous civilization in the history of mankind.

The Amish are God-fearing, honest, simple, rugged, hard-working, courageous people who are unyielding in their religious and lifestyle beliefs, and who are not subject to the winds of fleeting trends or political correctness.

They have not fallen prey to the superficial, materialistic mindset that so often permeates so much of modern American thought. The love of God, devotion to family, and the belief that hard work is its own reward, are, and always will be, the cornerstone of Amish culture.

They are not a covetous people, nor are they a violent people. They believe that, within the will of God, one reaps what one sows. So today’s tragedy in southern Lancaster County will be interpreted as God’s will. And the Amish know that we humans do not always comprehend the reasons behind such seemingly senseless tragedies. But they will turn to the Lord for answers, and for the strength and comfort that only He can provide them now.

Those newscasters that I have heard today speaking about the need for more stringent school security measures, and the fact that counsellors and adivsors will be on hand for the victims and their families, are all speaking from their own vantage point … a shallow perspective that is entirely foreign to Amish culture.

As heartbreaking as today’s murders are, the Amish of Bart Township will not now begin planning how better to physically secure their little schoolhouses. Nor will they be seeking out ‘professional help’ in order to make their grief bearable. Instead, their needs for security, solace and a listening ear will be met within their own small community, and as they communally turn to the Lord as their infallible source of wisdom, comfort and strength.

We all need to remember in prayer the families of the victims and survivors of today’s tragedy, as well as the family of the man who caused this unspeakable heartbreak. All are innocents whose lives will never be the same, and all are in need of our prayers.

~ joanie
Allegiance and Duty Betrayed

[Toespi]

MSNBC: Hospital spokesman, 13, 8, and 6 year old are at Hershey Med Center all in critical condition.

[La Enchiladita]

AMEN.

[AD from SpringBay]

amen

[Jeff Head]

As heartbreaking as today’s murders are, the Amish of Bart Township will not now begin planning how better to physically secure their little schoolhouses. Nor will they be seeking out ‘professional help’ in order to make their grief bearable. Instead, their needs for security, solace and a listening ear will be met within their own small community, and as they communally turn to the Lord as their infallible source of wisdom, comfort and strength.

Amen Joanie...and well said. Would to God that all of our communities would rekindle and maintian such faith that called forth such wisdom, comfort, and strength in the face of whatever tragedy. Truly, it is the bedrock foundation of our society and our entire system of governance. The further we depart from it, the worse off we become.

[the OlLine Rebel]

"Where in the ranks of humanity does one come across a man who could bind such a young child, force her to stand in front of a blackboard in her classroom, point the muzzle of a gun at hear head, and shoot her dead?"


Islam.

But that's just 1 consistent answer.

(Sorry for the straying, but it really is a good "profile" of an answer.)

[MineralMan]

Excellent post. Thank you.

[Skooz]

Well stated.

There is nothing left for me to say.

[xp38]

Prayers for all concerned.

[girlscout]

Well said. I'm beyond words and what you said touched my heart. Thank you.

Praying for our country and her people, for evil walks amongst us. Lord, hear our prayers. In Jesus name, amen.

[cgk]

Your post is making me weep.

Thank you for writing that.

[letsgonova19087]

Well said.

[franky]

###"Those newscasters that I have heard today speaking about the need for more stringent school security measures, and the fact that counsellors and adivsors will be on hand for the victims and their families, are all speaking from their own vantage point … a shallow perspective that is entirely foreign to Amish culture."###

Very, very true. The media and peripheral secular society have not the foggiest idea on what will console this culture. May the Lord be with them in their time of need.

[TAdams8591]

Ahhhh, as always joanie you say it so well. Just beautiful. You have perfectly captured what so many of us feel about the Amish, and why we love them so. Thank you! : )

[PennsylvaniaMom]

joanie-f, thank you for your beautiful post. What an eloquent post on the Amish community and the tragedy they are dealing with.

Thank you also for reaffirming my faith in this site...I was trying to keep up with the developments at work, and I wanted to post (couldn't remember my password to log on elsewhwere) and was just so taken aback by the horror of what happened (incomprehensible, I can't fathom what occurred in that school house) and by the posts of some of the keyboard commandos here. Thank you (and the mods) for representing the thoughts and prayers of so many.

I have had the joy of working with members of the Amish community (years ago). They are such a steadfast reminder of what is great about our country. Their faith in God; their loyality to their families and community; their work ethic. I can only imagine how their community will help the families affected; no grief counselors. They will take care of their own.

Prayers sent out. My heart just breaks...

[Minuteman23]

You always know what to say and how to say it.

Thank you Joanie.

[securityMama]

Thank you Joanie for your perspective and for the link to your blogspot. My heart goes out to those Amish families at this time. God have mercy, Christ have mercy. Amen.

[Chanticleer]

Beautifully written.

Amen.

[Frank_2001]

Excellent post!