I was thinking about…

Their Legacies Outshine Senseless Violence

By Andy Lee

One year ago today, our communities reeled from incomprehensible tragedy as a mass shooting shattered the hallowed halls of Nashville’s Covenant School. In mere minutes, three precious children and three heroic adults had their bright lives horrifically extinguished in an act of senseless violence.

Hallie Scruggs, just 9 years old, radiated kindness and joyful spirit well beyond her elementary years. Evelyn Dieckhaus, also 9, lit up any room she entered with an infectious zest for adventure and curiosity. Adorable 9-year-old William Kinney carried an unwavering faith and glow that belied his young age.

Cynthia Peak, 61, spent decades as a beloved substitute teacher showering generations of students with patience and warmth. Dr. Katherine Koonce, 60, modeled steadfast courage as the face of the school community she adored. And Mike Hill’s 61 years reflected principled integrity alongside sincere compassion for all who knew him.

Their tragic losses pierced hearts across the nation and reopened profound communal wounds still fresh from society’s ongoing nightmare of escalating gun violence. Wrestling with such wanton disregard for innocent human lives can numb, enrage, and demoralize even the most resilient spirits among us.

But amidst those overpowering waves of grief surged an equally profound counter-current of collective perseverance and hope. Because while few of us can fathom enduring personal agonies of the victims’ loved ones, their radiant legacies shine eternal inspiring the rest of us to cherish each breath as the sacred gift it is.

The senseless cruelty of their deaths shook foundations, yes. Yet how they spent those final honorable moments defending and protecting the young lives in their charge reflected humanity’s highest unbending form of courage. Their selfless final acts encapsulated the sacrificial love we all aspire to at core – the consummate expression of laying down one’s life for others.

So, one year later, as we reunite in solidarity mourning presence still profoundly missed, may our souls ultimately emerge not calloused but reinvigorated by their heroic examples. Rather than letting tragedy’s anguish corrode, may we allow Hallie, Evelyn, William, Dr. Koonce, Ms. Peak and Hill’s bravery to rededicate within us that same invincible brightening spirit.

They didn’t choose the unimaginable darkness thrust upon them, but demonstrated how even cataclysmic loss doesn’t defeat love’s ability to extinguish hatred’s grip. Their legacies are ones of steadfast joy, unconditional welcome and devotion to innocence’s preservation at all costs.

With time, their valiant memories will serve as sustaining balms for those mourning them daily. And for the rest of us, their bright essences live on challenging each soul to shine with equal brilliance no matter how dim surround clouds loom temporarily.

Stay brilliant, keep shining. ✨