Message from Campus Minister

Brothers and Sisters, Friends, Builders,

I am greatly saddened to learn of the death of Kara McLain, and in the wake of this great loss I wish to share a few brief thoughts.

First, I want you to know that I am available to listen to your thoughts and questions or pray with you. You may reach me at ben.hanne@sckans.edu. 

Kara was a gift to us here at Southwestern College. Her spirit and passion for life was rivaled only by her compassion and care for others. Hers was a life of creativity and joy, and we were blessed by her presence with us. She had an amazing way of making anyone feel welcome, and she was never too busy to stop and talk with you.

In her absence, we are left with a flood of questions and emotions that we all struggle to answer and cope with.  I want to encourage you to remember that none of us need to face these moments alone.  Tell your stories of the laughter you shared with Kara, weep together for a world that is quieter now without her song, but do not wonder where the music of Kara’s life has gone.

It lives in you.

I end this message with the words of Mary Hall, one of the very first female attorneys in our country. The basic message here is: there are grieving hearts that need comfort, there is a world that needs music, there is work to be done for the good of all – and that by turning our hearts and lives to these tasks in memory of Kara, her spirit in turn comforts us.

Turn Again To Life

If I should die and leave you here a while,
be not like others sore undone,
who keep long vigil by the silent dust.
For my sake turn again to life and smile,
nerving thy heart and trembling hand to do
something to comfort other hearts than thine.
Complete these dear unfinished tasks of mine
and I perchance may therein comfort you.
- Mary Hall

In the name of a love which cannot be conquered,

Rev. Benjamin Hanne
Campus Minister of Southwestern College