As the thousands drifted away from the candlelight vigil on the Virginia Tech drillfield Tuesday evening, a song rose from a circle of two dozen lights.
"O mothers, let’s go down. Come on down, don't you wanna go down? O mothers, let’s go down. Down in the river to pray..."
A woman in the circle, a generation older than the young men and women, said she had come up from western North Carolina to be with her son, a resident adviser in a dorm, an R.A. just like the first young man killed on Monday. She reached over to give him a hug as they sang on.
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound..."
The group grew to 30, singing from the heart, tears on many cheeks. They all knew the same songs, the same harmonies.
"This little light of mine, I'm gonna let it shine..."
Was this an organized group, a church choir? No, she said, "just Christians."
"Lean on me, when you're not strong, and I'll be your friend, I'll help you carry on..."
We wanted to know, what was her son's story? Her name? And how had a son's mother gotten through these days?
"I don't want to be interviewed," she said gently. "This is worship. This is giving thanks."
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As officials, students and families struggle to come to terms with the tragedy at Virginia Tech, a team of MSNBC.com reporters and editors and NBC News producers and correspondents is on the scene.
A forlorn formality
God bless all the families and lives that have been damaged by this tragedy. He will take care of you. You are all in our thoughts and prayers.
Kim, Clinton, IN (Sent Apr 18, 2007 12:42:26 PM)
This is a very sad time for our nation. My family and I send out our prayers to all of the grieving families whom have lost a loved one and may GOD embrace their souls and welcome them into his kingdom. We pray for your hearts to heal. GOD BLESS YOU ALL.
Joi, Texas (Sent Apr 18, 2007 12:58:41 PM)
There are people all over the world praying for all of you who lost a loved one on monday. Our prayers are that God will comfort you, and that you will let Him work in you and through you. Hold on to Him in your sorrow. God bless you.
Tonia Janzen, Canada (Sent Apr 18, 2007 1:24:39 PM)
Your supposedly omnipotent god let those young adults die. He sounds like a real jerk. Please keep your imaginary friends out of this. Thinking that these poor people will somehow live on in 'heaven' down-plays the true tragedy of this event.
I wish the best to everyone touched by this needless death.
Sean, Torrington CT (Sent Apr 18, 2007 1:43:15 PM)
I'm very, very sorry that so many young people were caught up in a drama - not of your own choosing - that leaves you feeling bewildered, frightened, shocked or uncertain. It is my hope that this sad happening on your campus will not wrest from you any of your desires, hopes or dreams for your lives and that it(this event) will serve you in a way that helps you remember what is always true - that every moment of your lives is all that you really have to enjoy who you truly are and to love and be loved unconditionally.
It is a sad thing that this young student lost so much of himself that he could not see the beauty of himself or his life anymore. May you always cherish yourselves as the beautiful young men and women that you truly are and treat others the same.
Catherine, Kalamazoo, Mi (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:19:19 PM)
May God be with all of yo at VT.
Rosie, Liberal, Kansas
Rosa Valentine (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:22:15 PM)
No matter who you are, if you have any heart, you will feel affected by this somehow and have compassion on our fellow Americans. The heart of the matter is that it is a heart matter. Who has your heart? If CHRIST has your heart, than you have a solace and a comfort. If not, than you have nothing to hold onto. The only one who can help us through this is Christ. Let's continue to pray for the families affected and for our nation to have a heart for God. God still hears and answers prayer. If you have not trusted him, trust him today! He is the only true comfort and solace! For those mourning, you have my prayers!
Scott Lockerman, Knoxville, Tennessee (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:22:28 PM)
Virginia Tech faculty, students and families,
During these mind-numbing times of senseless assaults, we are to be comforted in knowing our God is an AWESOME God who will never forsake us. The pain of losing a loved one cuts deep to our core and we must have a heart of forgiveness as our Saviour had for us. Jesus died on that cross for you and me, so that we may know Him. Grieve for those who are in eternity, pray for those who are grieving and forgive those who have harmed us. Hokies are a strong, determined group. May God's agape fill your hearts during this difficult time.
D.A. Saipaia - California (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:29:35 PM)
As a retired Army Veteran, my military family can truly relate to lose of love ones; especially from a distinguished organization, we share that lose often. First and foremost my prayers go out to all the victims of this horrendous act of aggression. I pray that one day we can all live on this earth in peace and harmony; loving and compassionate for one another. I also send my prayers to the family of the shooter, may God also be with them through these tribulation. “Stay Strong”
Greg Turner, Jacksonville, FL (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:39:23 PM)
The scary thing is this could happen anywhere. May God's Spirit bring peace and comfort to the family and friends of the victims and to those injured.
Belinda Hamilton Mississippi (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:40:34 PM)
My heart is so sadden over this I read about it at work on the web. there's no feeling like the feeling of losing a loved one.my heart goes out to these family's.I read about the singing at the candlelight vigil and i think it was great. our nation
needs to go back to the old paths and keep God in our World He's our answer, And people wonder what's wrong,In our Nation.
Patty Green Leakesville, Ms (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:46:35 PM)
Not only do 33 families grieve, but all of America. We cannot fathom what must have been going through the mind of this young man to make him take such a violent action against innocent people. I have to wonder why people of this mindset believe it is necessary to take people with them. People that have nothing to do with the perceived problem they seem to be experiencing. It just makes me sad. What a waste of precious life.
Debra Barton, Houston, TX (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:46:36 PM)
Virginia Tech,
I would be remiss if I did not include- we are not promised tomorrow, so let's do God's will and love everyone unconditionally everyday. We don't know when we will be called home and by what means.
If you see someone hurting, withdrawn or displaying evil tendencies, don't eliminate them from your prayers. When we include those who are hurting in our prayers, God makes a way to touch them. He wants to hear from us daily. The flood of prayers he's receiving now will eventually slow down as the "healing" begins. Everyday we need to be in prayer. Everyday we need to be healed...whether from negativity (thoughts or actions) or healed from a physical/mental illness. My prayers continue to those affected by this painful event. Prayers are also in order for the family of that distrubed young man who decided to take the lives of so many on April 16th.
D.A. Saipaia - California (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:55:13 PM)
"Those we love are with the Lord,
and the Lord has promised to be with us.
If they are with Him, and He is with us,
they cannot be faraway."
My heart goes out to all those grieving right now, all those who have lost a friend,child,roommate,teacher and loved one. May you find peace in God's love and in prayer. Those of us in Orlando Florida share your pain, we are all with you in this time and in the time that follows.
You are in my prayers tonite!
Love,
Amy Matthew
Amy, Orlando Florida (Sent Apr 18, 2007 2:57:25 PM)
The path into heaven is wide but the gate is narrow. The only way to the Father is through the Son. If you have not yet trusted in your heart to have Jesus Christ as your personal Lord & Saviour please do so now. For he will come as a theif in the night. You will not know when or how. Are you ready? Pray now and open your heart to Jesus. Accept the fact that he died on the cross for you and your sins, was buried and on the third day rose from the dead to sit at the right hand of the Father. Ask him for forgiveness of your sins and accept the greatest gift of all. His seal on your forehead, the Holy Spirit instilled in you and the promise of eternal life with Jesus. Marantha - Come Lord Jesus!
M. Piermattei, Fitzwilliam, NH (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:02:30 PM)
People of all faiths, all nationalities, all races, and ethnicities mourn this terrible act of violence and ignorance. So sad to see the dis-ease coming to this. I pray for ALL involved on every levels by this tragedy.
Erika, Portland, Oregon (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:17:01 PM)
Please know that across the Nation all our hearts go out to each, and everyone of you in Virginia. This could not be a sadder thing since 911, and it has shook us all to the core.
Not only do I cry tears for all the students, and staff that were killed, but also to the family of Cho Seung Hui...all the families and friends will feel the affects of this tragedy for years to come.
May God be with you all
Susan, Albany Oregon (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:19:13 PM)
May God be your strength in the time of this great need. As the mother of a senior high school student, graduating in May. Knowing that he will be going to college in the fall. My heart is heavy as I remember over and over that God gave His only son.
Sandra, Nashville, Tennessee (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:22:39 PM)
Virginia Tech,
I would be remiss if I did not include- we are not promised tomorrow, so let's do God's will and love everyone unconditionally everyday. We don't know when we will be called home and by what means.
If you see someone hurting, withdrawn or displaying evil tendencies, don't eliminate them from your prayers. When we include those who are hurting in our prayers, God makes a way to touch them. He wants to hear from us daily. Before this tragedy, when was the last time you called His name in prayer? The flood of requests he's receiving now will eventually slow down as the "healing" begins. Everyday we need to be in prayer. Everyday we need to be healed...whether from negativity (thoughts or actions) or healed from a physical/mental illness. My prayers continue to those affected by this painful event. Prayers are also in order for the family of that distrubed young man who decided to take the lives of so many on April 16th.
D.A. Saipaia - California (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:27:56 PM)
My heart reach out to all of Virgina Tech and surrounding communities, I know that this is a tradegy that touches everyone across the America. Also as a chrisitian I have to say a pray for the gunman's family I can't imagin the pain and burden they have to carry for the rest of their lives, knowing what their son had done. May God surround you all with his love. And to all the heart broken As in the bible Ps:27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strenghten thine (your) heart: wait, I say on the Lord.
S Garrick (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:30:06 PM)
My life is but a weaving between my Lord and Me
I can not chose the patterns nor all the colors see
Sometimes He chooses sorrow and I in foolish pride
Forgets He sees the upper and I the underside.
Jesus is holding these innocent souls in the palms of His hands today. May God comfort all who have been touched by this tragedy.
Sharon, Spokane, Wash (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:35:32 PM)
Virginia Tech,
I would be remiss if I did not include- we are not promised tomorrow, so let's do God's will and love everyone unconditionally everyday. We don't know when we will be called home and by what means.
If you see someone hurting, withdrawn or displaying evil tendencies, don't eliminate them from your prayers. When we include those who are hurting in our prayers, God makes a way to touch them. Before this tragedy happened when was the last time you called upon His name in prayer? He wants to hear from us daily. The flood of requests He's receiving now will eventually halt as the "healing" begins. Everyday we need to be in prayer. Everyday we need to be healed...whether from negativity (thoughts or actions) or healed from a physical/mental illness. My prayers continue to those affected by this painful event. Prayers are also in order for the family of that disturbed young man who decided to take the lives of so many on April 16th.
D.A. Saipaia ~ California (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:37:16 PM)
Canada weeps and aches for you as well. We are not immune to this kind of horror and can only pray that God will protect our loved ones from this kind of senseless act in the future.
May God watch over and comfort you all.
Bill Lawrence, St. Paul, Alberta, Canada (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:42:22 PM)
My heart goes out to Virginia Tech Family and the surrounding communities. This is a tradegy that affect the entire nation because it could happen anyway. Also as a christian I must say a pray for Cho's family. I can't imagin the pain and burden they would have to carry for the rest of their lives knowing what their son had done. May God surround you all with his soverent love. and for all the broken hearts in the Bible Ps:27:14 Wait on the Lord: be of good courage, and he shall strenghten thine (your) heart: wait, I say on the Lord. God Bless you all.
S Garrick (Sent Apr 18, 2007 3:59:13 PM)
I have worked at a high school and now a college for 22 years. I am a parent of two boys both graduates of college. I see their faces in every VT student's face. Stay strong Hokies....Ps 34 3&4 "Oh magnify the Lord with me...let us exhalt His name together...I sought Him...He heard me and DELIVERED ME OF ALL MY FEARS" May God keep you strong.
Kathy Sills (Sent Apr 18, 2007 4:09:52 PM)
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