When I arrived at my brightly-lit and cheery office at Ambassador this morning, I was unaware of the tragedy that had taken place during the night at a midnight premier showing of "The Dark Knight Rises".
As I opened my email and booted up the internet my social alerts were immediately flooded by condolences and prayers offered all across America to those affected.
The day has progressed similarly as new information is gained piece by piece and a picture of horror unfolds before the nation.
My heart breaks for the families of those involved. The parents who didn't get an answer when their child's phone was called....and I can't help the tears that come when I see a blog post by the older sister of one of the 10 shot and deceased in the theater as she tries to process and piece together what happened last night. With 4 out of my 5 younger siblings having gone to theaters last night for the same premier...I shudder to think anything along the lines of "what if".
But what can we do other than pray?
Pray for the wounded, the families of the victims, the shooter, his family...and that the nation will respond appropriately and respectfully to all involved.
Specifically we also lift up the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team as they have responded to the area to offer both emotional and spiritual support. I am so thankful that, while I do not have the ability to pack up and go to Colorado let alone be effective upon arrival, there is an organization like Billy Graham's that cares so deeply about the hearts of those in the midst of suffering.
Our prayers are with you all, Aurora.
Melissa Maudlin
P.S. - Visit, like, offer your support, and track the work of the Billy Graham Rapid Response Team here.