The campus community was shaken this month with the loss of Cody Shafer.
The rower and cell and molecular biology sophomore died Feb. 11 in Tulsa, Okla.
His death reminded us of the reality of death and the severity of depression. There is nothing redeemable about the loss of a young life, but this is a wake-up call that there may be people around us who are suffering and need our support.
I volunteered this summer at a week-long church camp for junior high and high school students. In one activity we asked campers to write down a question they had for God and tape it to the cross at the front of the room. I was amazed by some of the questions tapped to the cross.
“Why can’t I see or hear God?”
“Why is there so much hate in the world?”
“Why does no one love me?”
These questions are sobering. They represent a generation of children who have seen so much violence and hatred at work in the world that it is difficult to see good at work. These questions represent those voices who feel so alone that they think no one is there for them.
As a Christian, I believe it is our responsibility to display God’s love and acceptance to everyone we encounter. As humans it is our responsibility to care for one another.
We all know a person who is on the fringe of society. Those who don’t quite fit in to our “normal” group. We know a person who puts too much pressure on themselves to succeed. You may know someone struggling with a loss. We are all at times overwhelmed by something while in college.
Be mindful of those who may not have anyone else to turn to with their problems. Reach out to those who you think may just need someone to talk to. If you know someone struggling with a life crisis, go out of your way to show your support.
If you need to talk to someone, don’t be afraid to reach out.
The university offers free counseling to students. For more information about counseling or to schedule an appointment, call 405-208-7901 or visit the counseling page.
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