". . .if others aren’t losing, than I’m not winning.” That,sadly, has become the mantra of so many in the country today. And even worse, it's become a justification for nasty vitriol, divisiveness and even violence. 
As always, a well-stated, well-thought-out piece of writing, Ms. Martin.
And as for God, I for one,do not believe there is a being who is pulling all the strings and makes bad things happen for inexplicable reasons. Things happen. If my father is in a car accident, I don't blame him or God for willfully making it happen. What I believe is God and my father are there to comfort me when the bad things do happen. To give me strength to carry on and to help me look for ways to make things better for myself and others.
Keep up the good work. I am so glad that you are a teacher with the clear-headedness, wisdom and compassion to guide at least some of our children wisely and with humor.