Early this morning we were reminded of how far humanity has fallen.
I am saddened and disturbed to the core at how someone could make such horrific choices.
Over the next days and weeks we will hear stories of this young man's mental state and the cunning execution of his plans. We will mourn the loss of amazing daughters and sons, mothers and fathers, taken too soon. We will be lost in disbelief.
And if you haven't already, you will pray, congregated with other sojourners for some sense, a lot of healing, an immeasurable amount of peace, and an unending grace for all of us.
When the media throws around words like 'massacre' or 'tragedy' - we huddle in our local congregations in prayer, hoping God is doing something through these recent events. The humility of prayer - lifting our fellow man up with weak arms to an all powerful God - is an amazing and powerful experience that is unparalleled by anything we do as people of faith.
I want to challenge you, however, to take your response beyond the silent whispers to God on a Sunday morning. Far too often, those prayers become nothing more than an 'I'm glad it didn't / please don't let it - happen to me.' Please - send money, donate resources, memorialize the fallen - this will lend support to those directly impacted.
The challenge is this - beyond the silent debate with God (why did this happen?), wrap your arms around your loved ones and teach them. If they are hurting, care for them. If they are lacking, fill them up. If they are off course, correct them. If they are empty, replenish them. If they are leaning, prop them up. If they are happy, celebrate with them. If they sad, mourn with them. If they are struggling, encourage them.
And while your doing that (not after...after is too late), while you're doing that direct their eyes and your own to your friends, neighbors, co-workers and total strangers. Shoulder to shoulder do all of this for every weary soul you come into contact with.
Our focus shouldn't be simply avoid a 'tragedy' in our community but to be so good at taking care of those around us that 'tragedy' has no place in our lives.
I am saddened and disturbed to the core at how someone could make such horrific choices.
Over the next days and weeks we will hear stories of this young man's mental state and the cunning execution of his plans. We will mourn the loss of amazing daughters and sons, mothers and fathers, taken too soon. We will be lost in disbelief.
And if you haven't already, you will pray, congregated with other sojourners for some sense, a lot of healing, an immeasurable amount of peace, and an unending grace for all of us.
When the media throws around words like 'massacre' or 'tragedy' - we huddle in our local congregations in prayer, hoping God is doing something through these recent events. The humility of prayer - lifting our fellow man up with weak arms to an all powerful God - is an amazing and powerful experience that is unparalleled by anything we do as people of faith.
I want to challenge you, however, to take your response beyond the silent whispers to God on a Sunday morning. Far too often, those prayers become nothing more than an 'I'm glad it didn't / please don't let it - happen to me.' Please - send money, donate resources, memorialize the fallen - this will lend support to those directly impacted.
The challenge is this - beyond the silent debate with God (why did this happen?), wrap your arms around your loved ones and teach them. If they are hurting, care for them. If they are lacking, fill them up. If they are off course, correct them. If they are empty, replenish them. If they are leaning, prop them up. If they are happy, celebrate with them. If they sad, mourn with them. If they are struggling, encourage them.
And while your doing that (not after...after is too late), while you're doing that direct their eyes and your own to your friends, neighbors, co-workers and total strangers. Shoulder to shoulder do all of this for every weary soul you come into contact with.
Our focus shouldn't be simply avoid a 'tragedy' in our community but to be so good at taking care of those around us that 'tragedy' has no place in our lives.
Oh yes!! Let's invest ourselves in prevention rather than mourning!
ReplyDeleteAnd offer prayers for the families and friends.