We've read about the tragedies. A gunman kills worshippers at a church or synagogue.
Most of the time those gathered for that most sacred - and what many consider the safest - of times are trapped. The lucky one escape. But so many have died or suffered injuries.
Back in December, though, an armed man walked into a church in White Settlement, near Fort Worth, Texas, and began firing at parishioners.
He killed one in the congregation and wounded another. He might have killed more but for the fast action of some church members - part of the church's volunteer security team - who were legally carrying handguns.
Within seconds, the assailant was dead.
None of us like to think of such a thing happening here at home. And we all pray it never does.
But we should be prepared. Just in case.
The Texarkana Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority Inc. is host an Active Shooter Response Training at 6 p.m. Monday at Macedonia Baptist Church, 58 Payton Lane, Texarkana, Texas.
Texarkana, Texas, Police Officer Pete Mann will be conducting the training, which will focus on recognizing a potential threat wherever larger numbers of people gather and the appropriate response.
Contact 903-278-2047 or email [email protected] for more information.
We encourage those who are involved in security for churches and other gathering places to attend. Because what was once unthinkable is now thankfully still rare, but very real. This training could save lives.