Article September 6, 1999 Issue

Which is more powerful, love or hate?

Response to the Columbine shootings

By Margaret Ann Godine

As a Psychologist in a public school, I talked with classes of elementary-age children after the school shootings in Colorado earlier this year. Early in the morning, before work, I prayed to be led by God to say what was needed. I was helped by this idea from Mary Baker Eddy's Miscellaneous Writings: "... hope [holds] steadfastly to good in the midst of seething evil" (p. 338).

In one class of second-graders, most of the children said they were afraid to come to school. Some of the boys talked tough about bringing weapons to protect themselves. I prayed silently to know what I could say to awaken the pure thoughts that were rightfully theirs from God. It occurred to me to ask, "Which is stronger—love or hate?" The whole class shouted out: "Love!" Their unity and smiles calmed them, and they quickly went back to work.

In another classroom, fifth-and sixth-graders were all writing in their journals as I entered. I encouraged them to keep writing, and I spent time praying to be led by Spirit for the appropriate way to share spiritual concepts with the class, even though I was not allowed to talk about God. I also prayed to be able to answer the question of "why" such shootings occur.

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