By Mimi Rothschild

Your homeschoolers may ask, “Why would God let a tragedy like this happen?” This is a tough question to answer, and one that even the greatest theologians disagree about.

I believe the best way to approach this issue is to explain to your children the ramifications of sin. Ever since Adam and Eve were banished from the Garden of Eden, humanity has suffered the consequences of their sin. We toil under the sun for our sustenance, we suffer diseases and death, and we experience grief and anguish.

God gives us free will. As a result, we must deal with the consequences of other people’s sin. Tragedies like the Virginia Tech Massacre are an extreme result of sin.

Remember to explain to your homeschoolers that God has a perfect plan for this world. Even though it may be hard to see it, it’s imperative that we trust him. If we truly believe that “He’s got the whole world in His hands”, then we must recognize that God knows what’s best for humanity as a whole. Let’s try to focus on that bigger picture.

“Do not worry about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus. Finally, beloved, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is pleasing, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence and if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things.” – Philippians 4:6-8