nashville school shooting

Today we talked with Licensed Professional Counselor, Sissy Goff, who has been helping parents have impactful conversations with their children about the tragic school shooting at the Covenant School in Nashville, TN. Our hearts are absolutely broken that our community is going through something like this and we hope this interview is helpful in guiding you through these difficult but important conversations with your children. Praying for each family affected by this awful tragedy. If you’d like to donate, please see the links below.
To sponsor free counseling sessions through Daystar Ministries for students at The Covenant School:
daystarcounsel...
To donate to the Nashville Covenant School Shooting Fund:
www.gofundme.c...
To donate in honor of Mike Hill, the custodian who lost his life in the school shooting:
www.gofundme.c...
To donate to the Scruggs family, who lost their 9-year-old daughter, Hallie:
www.gofundme.c...
To donate in honor of Evelyn Dieckhaus, a 9-year-old who lost her life while pulling the fire alarm to alert others of the active shooter: www.gofundme.c...
Contact your local lawmaker
www.house.gov/...
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Snapchat! ▶ @AndrewDEast

[@malloryford7093]

I admire you all so much for taking the time and opportunity to have the hard conversations. You have given resources to parents, guardians, and many others to use in MANY situations. Grief is so hard to navigate and there are so many things that can be taken from this conversation 🤍 Thank you all for being YOU! You are admired and appreciated SO deeply!

[@katliven]

I was in my office in downtown Nashville that day. My son is at a daycare in Clarksville near our home. This whole event shook me to my core, thank you for highlighting the gravity of it for our community but also for the country as a whole.

[@cherilynclements3188]

As everything was going on Monday, I kept thinking about you and your children because I knew it was your area. I prayed! Thank you for this coverage and discussion.

[@shacimk15]

It’s not an easy situation to navigate. Our community was affected by this in 2017 and it was so incredibly hard. Praying for you guys❤

[@brookesobubbly]

I'm in the Nashville area also (Nashville native) and found out Tuesday morning there had been a threat made against my son's school by a current student 2 weeks ago that parents were never told about. Student apparently had a plan written out and everything. It's absolutely terrifying to think of.

[@lyndilopez5]

This is a beautiful conversation. Thank you Shawn & Andrew for doing what you do!

[@warriorwoman91]

I really appreciate this video being about how to help the kids and adults that are hurting rather than the jump to scoring political points that so many others have fallen back to. I have a lot of friends in Nashville with young kids and I know this has impacted people in ways they probably haven't even come to terms with yet.

[@narcydishon8389]

Thank you so much Andrew and Shawn for sharing this on your platform. My prayers are for all of those in Nashville 🙏🙏🙏. You are helping so many as we watch this.

[@B2Dtwo]

Thoughts and prayers from me too!!

[@kaitlynworkman3974]

So glad your children are okay! I am so sorry for the families that were involved in this tragedy. 6 families lost loved ones in a senseless act of gun violence. I am so thankful that you are sharing your feelings it’s eye opening to get a perspective from people near by. Thank you for sharing resources for us to donate and be helpful to Nashville even from Ohio.

[@B2Dtwo]

Thoughts and prayers are always helpful in these times. I offer you my thoughts and prayers, for all the children and families you are in mine. Praise to the Lord for the ones he did save and prayers for those He had a different plan for.

[@nancymachold8006]

Gun violence for sure and we need to be sure we watch out for people struggling with mentall illness. The first line of defense needs to be the people in the troubled person's extended community.

[@terrinew9474]

I just want to say I thank you both so much for your kindness, thoughtfulness and big hearts. It's so good to know that there are kind people in this world.

[@SamanthaB901]

I agree kids should be protected 100%. I would highly recommend looking into homeschooling. I get that it's a taboo subject for many people but it's become a lot more prominent since Covid. It doesn't mean you lock yourself in your house but rather you get to teach and learn beside your children in the community. There are many homeschooling communities all around that will support other parents in making the change. In my opinion, it should at least be a topic for discussion. The way to change the world is to start with your family. ❤ Thank you for sharing your story.

[@velocitygirl8551]

Homeschooling and NOT GUN CONTROL?

[@SamanthaB901]

@velocitygirl8551 I didn't mention gun control because that was not my main argument. Criminals will always find a way to get a gun. If you think the government can solve this problem then you are welcome to contact your local officials and advocate for more gun control. I am offering the option of spending more time with your kids where you can teach them and keep them safe in at least one area of their lives. The children will benefit and the parents can have one less worry. To reiterate, you cannot solve all the world's problems but you can start to help with your own family.

[@emilymay6418]

​@@velocitygirl8551I think you missed the point there bud

[@TheSandee88]

@@SamanthaB901 most guns used in shootings are obtained legally. We need gun control, not taking children out of schools.

[@jourdanconaway718]

I'm not a parent yet but already plan to homeschool for these reasons. I also love the idea of more time with my future babies while I have them and get to make more memories as a family ❤

[@kathigee]

really good talk today. I appreciate your addressing this. thanks for bringing in Ms. Goff. very practical and helpful conversations. heart hurting.... prayers always.

[@briannabelliconish2828]

You've all done such a great job navigating this difficult topic, and as a child and adolescent trauma professional and licensed childrens mental health therapist- I appreciate how you guys have processed this aloud and brought on professional help to give resources and information to those who feel so lost. All the families traumatized and affected will be in my prayers, as well as your family (full disclosure- i cried when I heard it may be your children's school). The world is so scary, and we remember how limited we truly are, but God is in control, and even in pain He is still so good.

[@katlynnoltmann4946]

So happy that y’all are using your platform as y’all always have! To educate and support with what the world and families go through! Our hearts and PRAYERS are with all the families and loved ones in Nashville and the Covenant families! 🤍

[@Pam50315]

Listening to this situation. Prayers to the families. We need to understand that at this time we need communication more than ever. Thank you for addressing this. It shows your strength and your involvement in the community.

[@B2Dtwo]

We do need thoughts and prayers. I offer you mine through the Jesus, Amen.

[@teresabelisle6643]

Thank you for sharing this. Continued prayers for your family and all of the families and your community.

[@HBSTACY]

Hugs! This was so needed and beneficial. Thank you for your support and love 💕

[@joannbradley8465]

Thank God your children are safe. My heart breaks for those families that lost loved ones. This world frightens me🙏🙏🙏

[@B2Dtwo]

Thoughts and prayers for the dead kids.

[@sendingloveandlight140]

Powerful ❤🙏🏾 Sending love and prayers to all

[@christyadcock6976]

These situations are unimaginable - So many why’s - Stay strong and hold those babies tight!! Sending love and prayers!

[@VABeachgirl-np8iw]

I am happy your children and you are OK. I started thinking of you when I found out about the shooting on Monday. I was unaware how close you were to the situation. You have done a great job today. I do pray for you to advocate for change. Praying for all the families and people that have been adversely affected by all shootings but especially the elementary school shootings. As a grandmother of a 3 year old, it is so frightening.

[@barbjanderson7559]

There are ex-military who have offered to stand inside, or outside in cars, of schools and told it doesn't work that way. Well then find a lawful process to make it happen. Once through the process of background checks and whatever, if there would be enough working or retired police, ex-military, first responders, etc. men and women willing to volunteer a day/half day once a week to help keep our schools safe...then we need to find a way to let them do that. And besides there's enough tax payers money wasted on nonsensical things that people could be paid for these positions but if the government can't see that then I do believe going with volunteers is one piece of school safety...not to mention some staff carrying.

[@lindadickson783]

You two are sooo generous. You are also very caring of others. I went through something similar years ago. It was a boom threat in my children’s school and I had 3 girls. Know that God is watching over you and walking with you, be sure to lean on him.

[@katherinechatham9032]

I am glad that your children are safe Shawn and Andrew.

[@maryleemam2301]

It's so sad. Thank you for keeping this about what happened and not politics. Prayers to your family ad the others affected by this.

[@zaklinagavrilovski1573]

I am so proud of you guys using your platforms to help your community. Andrew is correct we need more prayers. Amen in Jesuss holy name Amen.

[@B2Dtwo]

And more thoughts, too. Thoughts and prayers for you from me. Amen Jesus Christ.

[@lorraineboyer4987]

What a wonderful conversation to have on your progam! So incredibly helpful to everyone. I cannot imagine going through something like this so close to home. I worry about my grandchildren in these unreal times. God bless you both and your entire community!! My God help to heal your hearts!!!

[@alyssalu9152]

Insightful. Honest. Open-minded. Heartfelt x 💯.

[@shariroark7588]

There’s nothing else but the cross…..I love that!

[@orelskivis]

Thank you for supporting the Familys which are involved in this terrible Act.

[@B2Dtwo]

Thoughts and prayers. We may not understand it but have faith in God. This was his plan.

[@KristenRebello]

THANK YOU for addressing prayer! SO WELL SAID! love you guys

[@user-gr7vk6cf2n]

Thanks for sharing your story.

[@oddlilbird]

My question is, how do we teach our small children how to protect themselves should they be in a shooter situation, without stealing their innocence, or making them hyper vigilant? I’m facing a similar internal dilemma trying to talk to my 4 yo daughter about appropriate touch and strangers.

[@eileenpeterson637]

Thank you for talking about this on your show. My heart is so broken for Nashville. As a social worker, mom, I am struggling with that we are not doing enough to protect our children. It is okay to change the law that we do not sell guns to a person with mental illness. Keep your guns locked up. I pray for all these families who have had to deal with school shootings.

[@rebeccak9241]

Love that you guys addressed this!

[@fionafurman9815]

I’m so glad your children are ok and hopefully their mental health doesn’t suffer from what happened that day. Your family and all the other families that not only had children and family members in Covenant school, but the families that live in the neighborhood and had the scare on that horrible day. You are all in my thoughts and prayers. There has been around 130 shootings in schools and public places since January 1st. That’s is unacceptable! This is not a world problem, it is a US problem. As an American citizen, I do believe in our rights, but there has to be more control and laws in place to prevent this from happening. As a dual citizen of another country, I have seen other countries that don’t have this issue. Our government is too busy trying to out do one another, that they aren’t doing their job. Something needs to change now before we lose anyone else.😢

[@jodieskramstad5948]

Listening to this watching it broke my heart I live in elk river Minnesota and I hope it never happens down here my heart goes out to the family's

[@Kathyathome]

Cindy Peak lived across the street from me and I am gutted by this tragedy! Those poor babies😭

[@SolsticeBeautyByJessica]

Kids are so smart. They know something is wrong. Without getting into specific details. Make sure you tell Drew that something bad happened and that gets you into the whole bad things happen in this world conversation. Just make sure that she can express herself and know that mostly she’s loved.

[@AF-gw4bt]

Thank goodness for the police, the first responders and the teachers. Keep those groups strong and funded. Know your neighbor and build a strong faith based community.

[@pattikujan5925]

OK Im crying already...sorry I cant watch. I am senior who suffers from anxiety and panic attacks sending prayers to everyone and much love from your adopted gram in Ct xoxo

[@SolsticeBeautyByJessica]

When I was in high school in 1995-96, I was called to the principals office, at a boarding school. I thought for sure someone died. He told me my siblings , in another town, were involved with a school shooting. One of the first ones in America. Evan Ramsey shot the principal and a couple students at Bethel High school in Alaska. Even though my siblings survived, doesn’t mean they didn’t suffer. Our family fully believes my brother survived because he didn’t pick on Evan. He was nice to him. I feel like bullying ignites a fire in these school shooters. It’s their very horrible way at getting back at them. Killing is equal to the hurt they indured.

[@ykook7000]

There were plenty of school shootings before 95 - 96

[@MicaelaTomlinson669]

I have never had to go through this when I was in school but I come from a family of first responders and I know what it’s like to have to go through a tragedy I feel like this was my tragedy too because no one should ever have to go through a school shooting. And I wish this was not the new normal but it sure feels like it is but I hope really hope it’s not because all of this makes me angry and sad that somebody could do this to children and innocent people I am praying for everyone especially the families that lost loved to this horrible tragedy. I am also praying for your family too.

[@B2Dtwo]

Thoughts and prayers!!!!

[@kimwalker3892]

I know how you feel. I live in st louis and my niece & nephew go to collegiate which is in the same building. My niece called my sister crying. Thankfully my niece& nephew are ok. I do think it effected them mentally. It is so hard. I would love to be able to afford to send them to a private school. The problem is it can happen anywhere! It is so scary!

[@niecee1961]

I tip my hat to you both. I could not speak to this issue this soon after. And Shawn looks so uncomfortable or maybe trying hard to keep it together. 😢 My prayers are with you and all the families affected by this tragedy. 😔❤️🙏🏼

[@suzank7090]

Well done video. My first thought when I heard the news was of your family. Funny how we feel we know you. Will watch my words as not to upset the families. But glad your family is ok. Keep well and may your kids have the joy they deserve.

[@cashcarti8532]

As someone who lives in the UK, I can’t begin to imagine not only how you guys feel, but how other American families are feeling and wondering if it’s going to be their neighbourhood next. It’s come to a point where when I read an article and the headline is about a school shooting, I already know it’s America. I’ve observed the gun laws you guys have over there so I can’t really add to that because we don’t have guns over here. But what I do fear is that this is going to continue happening to your country and will only get worse as time passes.

[@rose_a6573]

I agree but we don't have (many) guns here thanks to gun laws. Gun laws in the UK weren't as strict until we had a school shooting in 1996. After that incident the laws were changed and there hasn't been a single school shooting since. It's easy to see how huge the problem is in the US is and feel helpless but I think it's important not to forget that gun laws really do help.

[@cashcarti8532]

@@rose_a6573 I read up on that incident in 1996. All it took was one shooting and the laws were changed in favour of keeping children and society at large safe. Sure we do have our own issues like knife crime and social issues, but our children don’t ever have to worry about doing school shooting drills or the possibility of homeschooling. And to make it worse, the thought of being in school and wondering if one your peers is going to wake up on the wrong side of the bed and kill people is very scary.

[@HearingHands143]

@@cashcarti8532 If I may ask.. Do the children not have protection at school in the UK at all??? Or do you have people there to protect the children, but they're the only ones with the protective gear?? I feel like every school should have protection in the form of gear and maybe plain clothed guards (so the kiddos aren't scared of them).. I also feel that that's why here in America these shootings happen.. Because in some places, the kids aren't protected by anything other than glass doors and maybe panic buttons..

[@kathyerb3134]

Thanks for covering such a difficult topic and that it was in your own neighborhood. I can see how hard you were both impacted too. I live in Canada 🇨🇦 where we have gun laws, and dont carry guns. No constitution.

[@SolsticeBeautyByJessica]

It’s so horrible that our society has to even have these discussions. I truly believe it stems to bullying. There should be a faculty member on every school board and school who can spot out the bully’s and handle it more serious. I truly feel that’s the issue. Get them involved with the gossip. Suspend these bullies while they are in action!

[@brendalufkin1306]

Mmm

[@brendalufkin1306]

Mm

[@brendalufkin1306]

M

[@brendalufkin1306]

Mmmm

[@skatfan]

Definitely take the time absorb and process. You’ll need to ground yourself before launching into activism

[@gigidodson]

My grandchildren grew up with all these school shootings, running active shooter drills. It is as common as a fire drill. My oldest grand daughter is currently in college to be a teacher and works at the boys and girls club and now runs the drills. It is the most horrific thing i can imagine. But it is so common now.

[@ykook7000]

Only in USA it's common nowhere else in the world does it happen so Americans thinking its normal are fooling themselves

[@AshleyCornwell]

just FYI the audio cuts in and out a lot of the guest speaker in this episode

[@Variete379]

I’m surprised not even in this kind of situations they think about this is happening because of the access to guns. They think they need more guns. Every single people in the whole world sees it except them.

[@ykook7000]

Yep that's why it will never change in USA

[@nicoledagher8282]

Yep it’s called the second amendment. If schools had armed officers in the schools these shootings wouldn’t happen

[@simonesobel7882]

This is a very important topic, and I'm so very sorry all the families involved as well as the community. However, this lady didn't really seem to give any real answers. "Breathe, Pray, Keep it factual", Im not a professional counselor but I could have given better answers.

[@georginaboateng4901]

Thankyou

[@marciefinn6295]

I find this topic is necessary but take these automatic rifles should be banned. I respect you so much for doing this episode ❤😢

[@meladieblack8188]

Hi! Where can we find her podcast?!

[@tationutube]

" unfortunately the trend seems to be there will be more incidents like this" says Andrew. I wish to ask him, WHY WOULD he say this why?

[@tationutube]

Sory this is so crazy is there any other country in world where this happens? NO.

[@lindadickson783]

I honestly hate the way things in this world are going. There are times that I have said okay lord I have had enough please call me home. I have had a rough past life, but have been doing better the last three years.

[@B2Dtwo]

It's all God's plan.

[@tationutube]

"Everyone focuses on the effects and remains there. Let us talk about the CAUSE." FATHER DANTE

[@Yuliua1772]

This happens in USA not the world!

[@prbd0985]

That statement is highly incorrect. If you’ve ever lived in another country Africa or pretty much any country in the Middle East you would know this happens all the time they have rules, especially in Africa and Iran that girls are very limited on going to school. They not only shoot them, they shoot the boys that try to help them go to school they do much worse where yes the children do live sometimes but this is a daily occurrence that you just don’t hear about in other countries because a lot of other countries their school system is not like ours it’s not as structured It’s more tucked away in the middle of nowhere in villages etc. but if you knew how bad it was in other countries, you would never make that statement It should never happen period Anywhere

[@ykook7000]

​​@@prbd0985 doesn't happen in the First world english speaking countries Not 3rd

[@prbd0985]

@@ykook7000 it happens in both

[@MrsSammieV]

I only watched to a certain point. I dont have any kids however we live 11 minutes from Sandy Hook. Sandy Hook is our community. I was devastated for the families left behind parents, older and younger siblings, and students who were at Sandy Hook that day and heard and saw things. Im so sorry that You have now had to go through the terrifying scenario that it was your kids school. To those in Nashville I stand with You. My thoughts and prayers are with You ❤.

[@sandgroper1970]

God that must have been hard thinking it was your children’s school. But these sort of awful incidents, makes me glad, I am in Australia. Then also to hear that children are being taught how to react to an active shooter. I honestly hope that this time politicians can actually pass some sensible regulations in regards to guns ( yes I know about the second amendment).

[@annahoffman104]

That 20-30 minutes you thought it may have been your kids school must have been the worst and longest 20-30 min of your life. I hate that these keep happening. I hate it so much.

[@jamiebanys2816]

Yes I am glad that the children were alright. I grew up in the 90's. There were shootings and bomb threats. Columbine and there was a young children even from Arkansas. Violence has been in Peducah, Kentucky. There are not many woman shooters and it's rare. Evan back in 60s the college shooting or violence in places like Austin on the tower. I saw the walk out, the student need to know Guns don't kill people, People kill people. The gun is the object the person and the mind of that person is what kills. They take the action and make the choice. I'm not sure about the gun control what about people control. The person behind the gun is controlling the gun or weapon at hand.

[@laurahansen7976]

THANK YOU! You have verbalized so many of my thoughts these past few days. I live nowhere near this incident, but it is heartbreaking to see. We all want our kids to be safe, especially at school! God did not promise a world without evil. I believe the true enemy here is Satan himself. It is so easy to make this a political issue and it only causes division amongst us --- it puts us against eachother, instead of the real enemy. Let's band together as brothers and sisters of Jesus Christ and work toward a solution to keep our kids safe.

[@B2Dtwo]

Maybe Jesus would say the solution is for parents to accept their children for who they are and to love them unconditionally. Or maybe he'd say trans people are lying to themselves because they are evil. Hard to say I guess.

[@B2Dtwo]

Put your faith in God. This was his plan, so cheer up, stop with the evil this, evil that, remember that it's all part of God's plan. We may not understand it, but it was God's plan!

[@CarryOutMyBidding]

You don't need a licensed counselor to see through this garbage. I wouldn't fall for this event quite so fast,.......let's look at a few reasons why: ~ Why did the Nashville P.D. release the 'bodycam' footage so quickly, during a pending investigation, when under normal situations, it takes well over a month for authorities to release the footage? ~ If you're going to produce a PHONY shooting,...can you at least make sure the 'dead suspect' is wearing the same shoes they were wearing after they entered the building with a prop gun in a pre-evacuated school? ~ How did police know immediately that the 'shooter' was 'transgender? Did they look down their pants? ~ And lastly, with all that being said, who do YOU think is the real victim here?------------------------------------------YOU ARE.

[@B2Dtwo]

Oh my. It looks like you need some thoughts and prayers. Thoughts and prayers thoughts and prayers thoughts and prayers God's plan Amen.

[@oceanlover6034]

What about prayers for all of the other children sexually assaulted at that school by those religious people

[@B2Dtwo]

Thoughts and prayers for them too!!

[@TheSandee88]

No one needs a gun. No one. And I will die on that hill.

[@DanaPAH]

People have guns. Bad people have guns. You can't escape that, especially in the US. No matter how many laws you pass here. Therefore, good people will need that great equalizer. This was actually the second school the shooter considered, and they chose it because the first had greater security, including a resource officer with a gun. 98% of mass shootings in the US are committed in gun free zones, as well. Plus, the vast majority of all "gun deaths," (1/3 of which are suicides by gun) are committed in areas of the country with the strictest gun laws. This incident is what is pushing me over from considering to buy a gun, to actually do so. Because bad people have guns, and if I'm ever in a mass shooting situation or a attacked by someone with a gun, I want to be the one pointing the gun in the RIGHT direction.

[@bereanist]

Some do need guns, crazy, evil & bad people do not need them. Our military needs guns. Wise people need guns for protection. Start when your children are babies and toddlers about God and prayer, sing children’s Bible songs regularly and scripture from the Bible. They are like sponges and absorb a lot in those young years! We all need God & Jesus in our lives. 🙌😇🙏

[@TheSandee88]

I’m glad you have something you wish to believe in but prayers and Bible verses are not going to prevent people from killing others.

[@TheSandee88]

@@DanaPAH no one, and I firmly believe no one, needs a gun. And many shootings are done with guns obtained legally.

[@ykook7000]

Funny how Americans say they are Free and have Freedom but they 💯 percent Do Not have freedom....guns do not equal freedom....all the dead children at American schools are proof of that!!

[@user-kj8hs1vn6g]

While I appreciate you keeping politics out of your content, I hope when Andrew says better safety measures, he’s speaking about gun reform. In all other countries who’ve experienced a mass shooting and put law into effect, they have little to none in their countries. If you don’t want to have to explain this to your kid (god forbid it happen in their school) advocate for stricter gun laws. Don’t vote for anyone who has NRA endorsements. I hate politics. But this is political. Gf Thoughts and prayers don’t save lives.

[@royharper2003]

Murder is already illegal but people still kill.

[@nicoledagher8282]

🤦🏻‍♀️

[@B2Dtwo]

If only the parents had accepted their child as God made her... it's 2023 and some parents still can't accept a gay child? They'll never admit it, but the shooters parents will lie awake at night, wondering whether Jesus is going to let them into heaven after their child and their parenting led to all those dead kids and teachers.

[@royharper2003]

You said it was all God's plan so how can you blame the parents?