Warrior Strong

 

Like any normal day, I got on facebook and noticed that someone who had graduated a couple years before me in high school had posted something that had the headline BREAKING NEWS. I glanced at it, then read a little further. There was another school shooting in Colorado?! Reading further to see who was affected, I will never forget that feeling of reading the name of my school: Arapahoe High School. My heart stopped and I frantically clicked on the link to read what was going on. There had been no news. Quickly, I shared the picture and asked for immediate prayers as my mind began praying incessantly. It was unreal. I kept up with the developing story for hours, and I couldn't think of anything else. Names flashed through my head of people I knew at Arapahoe, the faculty, and those of my classmates who had younger siblings at Arapahoe. It was at that moment that I wanted to be back home in Colorado so badly with my warrior family and I knew the only thing I could do here was pray and ask for prayers.

Wow, it's so terrifying when something so awful hits home. It didn't hit close to home, it hit home. My heart continues to break for those who endured that day of terror. I was watching the live video and as the story continued, I saw students being reunited with their parents, scared to death. It brought tears to my eyes. I just could not, and still cannot, imagine what was going through the heads of the students that day. The fear and terror is unimaginable. As the students were evacuated and there was report that the school was secure, I began thinking of my own 4 years at Arapahoe. That school has been such a part of me and I'm always proud to say that I was a Warrior. I look back with fond memories of high school: the friends I made, the teachers I had, swimming with Richmond all four years with the Lady Water Warriors. You never think something so awful will happen to a place that is so close to your heart. My school was so brave that day, you all continue to be brave, and I hope you all know how many prayers are being sent your way.

This has had psychological ramifications on me, and I graduated in 2011 and I'm all the way in Texas. My heart, though, is always in Colorado and I am a proud Colorado girl. Furthermore, I am a proud Arapahoe Warrior. So, here is a message to all you warriors out there: We are a close knit community and we will always take care of one another. If any of you need to talk, need to process, do not hesitate to ask for help. Arapahoe has an outstanding faculty and outstanding students. We will get through this. I was blown away by the support that poured out just over facebook on that day with generations of warriors coming together as one strong community. Prayers are being said for Claire and for the families of Arapahoe High School. God has everything in the palm of His hands and He will take care of you. Do not give up; Warriors, always take care of one another.

"See, the Sovereign Lord comes with power, and he rules with a mighty arm. See, his reward is with him, and his recompense accompanies him. He tends his flock like a shepherd; He gathers the lambs in his arms and carries them close to his heart; he gently leads those that have young."

-Isaiah 40:10-11

 

"He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."

-Isaiah 40:29-31