In the wake of the Pulse shootings, the people of the Diocese of Central Florida rallied in support of the victims and their families. The benefits were immeasurable. Lives were embraced; souls were touched. One extraordinary offering was Archdeacon Kristi Alday’s July 16 training on “Walking the Mourner’s Path.” The class was open to everyone in the diocese, a meaningful gift from a knowledgeable mentor.

One of the dozens of students was an aspirant to the diaconate, volunteer hospital chaplain Bill Crockett. He had no idea, however, that this experience would be so desperately needed so soon after he returned to his home in Titusville. At 2:15 a.m., Jerald Smith, chaplain at Parish Medical Center, called. “There’s been a shooting at the hospital. Can you come in?” How fortunate for Bill and the people at the hospital that the seminar was offered at just the right time.

A lone gunman had shot and killed a patient and a nurse sitter. Chaplain Smith was miles away in Tennessee, but Bill was in the hospital, praying, listening, and comforting staff and patients within minutes. “The training helped me focus on what was most important: helping people understand this was not their fault, there was nothing they could have done to change the outcome, and that God was there,” Bill said.

The process of grieving is not an instant fix. It takes time. And it takes love. But most of all, it takes God.

Another remarkable act of love followed in the wake of the tragedy. The patient who died had been cared for at a local nursing home. Some of those employees were related to the accused shooter. The attacker’s family had desperately tried to get mental health treatment for him, but to no avail. And graciously, the family of the victim held no ill will, only mercy. All were welcome at the funeral, even the family of the accused.

Events like this can have far-reaching influence on a congregation. One of the vestry members was the lead police investigator at the crime scene. Another member was the principal of the school the suspect attended. Another was in charge of hospital volunteers, and still others were hospital employees.

In spite of the horror and evil that have been perpetrated over the last few months, the people of God today are closer, more caring, more protective of one another—and especially of those in need—than ever before. Truly I tell you, “All things work together for good for those who love God” (Romans 8:28b).