Living What We Long For, by Catherine Snyder

Scripture speaks of prayers “too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26). Some experiences are so enormous they defy description. Such is April 16, 2007 for those of us in the Virginia Tech community. Here in Blacksburg, that day is remembered in language similar to the way so many in this country speak of September 11. We also refer to that day as “the shootings,” “the tragedy” or simply “it.”

Now, more than two years later, we live in what we call the “new normal.” Healing is happening. Curiosity from strangers is waning. Doors on campus have been changed so they cannot be chained shut. An emergency call system has been set up. New signs blink the time on classroom walls, ready to broadcast an alert should there be another disaster.

I carry strong memories in my heart, but I rarely talk about that day or the details of its aftermath. I feel extremely protective of the privacy of people in my community. The press made our grief very public, but grief for each individual is particular and private. Each healing is unique. Though caring people still ask how we are doing, I am not yet able to offer generalizations about Virginia Tech or speak for individuals. Sometimes prayers are too deep for words.

Reflect further with Catherine Snyder about the pain of gun violence, the hope that God offers, and what you can do in the July/August 2009 issue of Horizons Magazine (HZN-09-230; $4 plus shipping).

Catherine Snyder serves as the Presbyterian campus minister at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia.

photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images.

Other Articles Online This Issue

Security in the Middle of Violence
Living What We Long For
From Mosul to Michigan
Securing the Future: The PW Legacy Program
Thank Offering Recipients
Strenngthening the PC(USA)


Reflect further with Catherine Snyder about the pain of gun violence, the hope that God offers, and what you can do in the July/August 2009 issue of Horizons Magazine (HZN-09-230; $4 plus shipping).	Living What We Long For by Catherine Snyder Scripture speaks of prayers “too deep for words” (Rom. 8:26). Some experiences are so enormous they defy description. Such is April 16, 2007 for those of us in the Virginia Tech community. Here in Blacksburg, that day is remembered in language similar to the way so many in this country speak of September 11. We also refer to that day as “the shootings,” “the tragedy” or simply “it.” Now, more than two years later, we live in what we call the “new normal.” Healing is happening. Curiosity from strangers is waning. Doors on campus have been changed so they cannot be chained shut. An emergency call system has been set up. New signs blink the time on classroom walls, ready to broadcast an alert should there be another disaster. I carry strong memories in my heart, but I rarely talk about that day or the details of its aftermath. I feel extremely protective of the privacy of people in my community. The press made our grief very public, but grief for each individual is particular and private. Each healing is unique. Though caring people still ask how we are doing, I am not yet able to offer generalizations about Virginia Tech or speak for individuals. Sometimes prayers are too deep for words. Reflect further with Catherine Snyder about the pain of gun violence, the hope that God offers, and what you can do in the July/August 2009 issue of Horizons Magazine (HZN-09-230; $4 plus shipping). Catherine Snyder serves as the Presbyterian campus minister at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. photo by Alex Wong/Getty Images. Other Articles Online This Issue Security in the Middle of Violence Living What We Long For From Mosul to Michigan Securing the Future: The PW Legacy Program Thank Offering Recipients Strenngthening the PC(USA)	Current Issue JULY/AUGUST 2009 About This Issue Contents FREE Resource How to Use In Our Next Issue to Horizons or call (866) 802-3635 the July/August 2009 issue, HZN-09-230 ($4 plus shipping/handling)

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