Youth SOS. NO More Guns In School!

There are solutions to gun violence in schools but we must take a TEAM approach to address the issues and solve the problem. This is a social, emotional and SPIRITUAL problem which cannot continue to be overlooked.

In this video, I share what I have seen based on my over 17 years of experience as both a public school parent, volunteer, employee, and CSO (Campus Security Officer).  We need an intervention, but not the one you may think. Listen and I hope you will see!

The schools are governed by FERPA which is the federal guideline for informational sharing of education and medical records, and HIPAA. Some have said that information cannot be shared regarding students. That is NOT the case. The guidance issued regarding these issue says the following:

"Parents have a right under FERPA to inspect and review these health and medical records because they are “education records” under FERPA. See 34 CFR §§ 99.10 – 99.12. In addition, these records may not be shared with third parties without written parental consent unless the disclosure meets one of the exceptions to FERPA’s general consent requirement. For instance, one of these exceptions allows schools to disclose a student’s health and medical information and other “education records” to teachers and other school officials, without written consent, if these school officials have “legitimate educational interests” in accordance with school policy. See 34 CFR § 99.31(a)(1). Another exception permits the disclosure of education records, without consent, to appropriate parties in connection with an emergency, if knowledge of the information is necessary to protect the health or safety of the student or other individuals. See 34 CFR §§ 99.31(a)(10) and 99.36." ~ Pg.4 

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Sandy Hook, Free Will & Tragedy. What Is The Relationship?

Since the unfortunate murders of over 26 fellow Americans in the Sandy Hook Elementary School shooting, the question has been posed over and over, why God did not stop the killer from killing innocent children and professionals taking care of them? 

We have to acknowledge that this is a valid sentiment and one that makes sense from a human standpoint. However, we also must acknowledge that we may never know many of life's mysteries but because we don't know something doesn't mean that there is no valid reason for it. 

The Character, Nature & The Existence Of God Called Into Question

The questions that we hear regarding the Sandy Hook tragedy are age old. It is simply the Problem of Evil or what is called The Epicurean Paradox. Here is a version of it, applicable to this discourse: 

• If God is anything, he must be all powerful and have the ability to do anything including prevent tragedy. 
• If he is God he certainly he could have stopped the gunman, by either saving him then and there on the spot, striking him dead beforehand or even causing his gun to jam or any number of things that would have prevented him from doing what he did BEFORE the killing rampage. 

The final part to this thought is that 

• If God is indifferent, he is not good and therefore not God, or 
• If he is powerless to prevent tragedy, he is not God as he would not be all powerful. 

The deduction here is that God simply doesn't exist. Although the first premise is flawed and invalidates all the others parts to the paradox, I believe that this is one of the primary arguments being levied as it pertains to God and religion in the Sandy Hook case or experience.  

What Can Be Said?

Many things...In reality, I know some people who are saved today because God stopped or redirected a 

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A "National Conversation" ..."We Can Do Better Than This"

Our hearts of sincere prayer, love and respect go out to all of the families whose children and loved one's were victims of the Sandy Hook Elementary school slayings. We are praying for the community and extended family as well. As a parent of 2 children and as one intimately involved in the public school system trying to make it better for all children, my heart is overwhelmed, but we are in expectation of a blessing of comfort from and out of all the pain. 

Last Friday 12/14/2012 morning, a demon possessed man entered a lower grade elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut with the intent on killing as many children and school personnel as he possibly could. Although it was a cowardly act, unfortunately he was successful in taking 26 bright and beautiful lives out of our midst before even more cowardly turning the gun on himself and taking his own life. Authorities are yet searching for answers or the "reason" why a man could do this, especially to children and those otherwise defenseless individuals. In all 20 beautiful children and 6 adults charged with caring for the children lost their lives. It appears that the murderer began by taking his own mother's life before embarking on a killing spree that will always be known as one of the nations worst. Needless to say, countless others and even a whole nation are directly effected by these events. 

The "National Conversation"

These events have sparked a new buzz word among media professionals. It is called the "National Conversation" Using this phrase, and an agenda focused on laws and cultural standards, all kinds of individuals and institutions claim to be framing what America should talk about in light of this tragedy. 

In the effort to come to an answer that can be understood, some have claimed that:

1- We need tighter gun control laws & screening procedures. 

2- We need better funding and services for mental health recipients.

3- We need more and better security at our schools.

I'll add this one...

4- We need more MEN in the school educating our children. (The presence of men itself is good for children and could be a deterrent to illegal activity by itself. It seems that there is currently no national conversation regarding this one, at least as it pertains to this issue.)  

While all of these things may be true, and certainly notable, what, if anything will any of these things do to remove the evil from the hearts of those who think to commit such atrocities? We should also ask, are these things the only things that should be talked about in light of these events?

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