SPU Hero Releases Statement

SPU Hero

Jon Meis, the man who peppered spray the shooter at Seattle Pacific University, then held him in a choke hold until police arrived released a statement which read, in part,

"To my brothers and sisters at Seattle Pacific University, and my brothers and sisters in Christ throughout the nation and the world,

Words cannot come close to expressing the tragedy that occurred this past week on our campus. Like everyone else, I would hear of these horrible events on the news, but go home knowing that it could never happen to us. On Thursday, my life changed. I was thrown into a life and death situation, and through God’s grace I was able to stop the attacker and walk away unharmed. As I try to return to a normal life in the aftermath of this horrible event, I pray above all things for strength for the victims and their families. While my experience left me in physical shock, I know that many people are dealing with much greater grief than I have experienced, and in honesty I probably would not be able to handle myself right now if I had personally known the victims.

...

However, what I find most difficult about this situation is the devastating reality that a hero cannot come without tragedy. In the midst of this attention, we cannot ignore that a life was taken from us, ruthlessly and without justification or cause. Others were badly injured, and many more will carry this event with them the rest of their lives. Nonetheless, I would encourage that hate be met with love. When I came face to face with the attacker, God gave me the eyes to see that he was not a faceless monster, but a very sad and troubled young man. While I cannot at this time find it within me to forgive his crime, I truly desire that he will find the grace of God and the forgiveness of our community."

Analysis

Jon Meis has followed up his heroic actions with humility and grace.  In Staying Alive, we write about using words to heal, not hurt, after an incident.  Meis' words are a perfect example of how to use words to heal after tragedy.  We write that putting our feelings into words can help a person see the situation more objectively.  Jon has done an excellent job of doing this, and doing so in a positive way.

He is truly a remarkable young man.