Philippians 4:8
And now, brothers, as I close this
letter, let me say this one more thing: Fix your thoughts on what is
true and good and right. Think about things that are pure and lovely,
and dwell on the fine, good things in others. Think about all you can
praise God for and be glad about.
The
Living Bible copyright © 1971 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by
permission of Tyndale House Publishers Inc., Carol Stream, Illinois
60188. All rights reserved.
Like many of us, I had
trouble sleeping last night as the horror unfolded in Dallas, Texas. I
was already upset from watching the news reports of the senseless
shootings in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, and St. Paul, Minnesota. And now,
people were apparently choosing to somehow seek revenge by committing
more senseless killing. As if this weren’t enough, all of these events
came on the heels of a shooting in my little community of 7000+ people
one week ago today…another “revenge killing” that left a friend of ours
dead, his wife wounded, and his family traumatized – especially his
three grandchildren who witnessed the heinous act. I have heard many
say in recent days…”It seems as if the world has gone mad.”
Indeed,
this is a sad time…a season of frustration, heartache – and yes,
anger. But before I even turned on news events this morning – or looked
at my phone – I thought of Jesus. I took a few minutes to thank Him
for all fine, good things. I thanked Him for the children who are
spending time with us today and giving us a happy diversion. I thanked
Him for our health, our freedom…and our relative safety (though last
week’s events proved that no place is 100% safe when someone goes on a
shooting rampage).
Because Zola and Nathan are with us today, I
have not spent time watching television news or paying attention to
social media. And it has felt good watch children’s television...to sit
outside and watch the children ride their bike and blow bubbles in the
air…to look at these little ones and our precious cousins who dropped by
to visit and believe that there still is good in the world. I know
that God does not intend for these innocent youngsters to grow up with a
spirit of fear and judgment. It is not His desire that they
discriminate against others and disparage them…or be on the receiving
end of such treatment.
I know I cannot bury my head in the sand
and pretend these horrific events have not occurred…much as I wish I
could. But I don’t think there is anything wrong with taking a breather
from all of the dissension and opinion on all sides…especially to
recognize that Jesus is the same today as He was yesterday. He is
heartbroken over all that has happened…but it doesn’t change who He is
or what He wants for us.
I believe more than ever, we are called
to look for the good…to see that out of the unbelievable shooting deaths
in Baton Rouge and St. Paul, people of all colors and socio-economic
status – civilians and police officers alike – stood arm-in-arm to say
that ALL LIVES MATTER. We must note how people throughout the world are
coming together to stand in solidarity and support for police officers
as we mourn those who were so brutally murdered in Dallas. We cannot
separate these events and pit one group against the other. Each was
equally horrific and senseless. But we look for – and readily
acknowledge – the ways that Jesus is mending the broken-hearted and
orchestrating an outpouring of love and humankindness in the midst of
even these tragedies.
The world has not gone mad…but several have
at least momentarily lost their way. Jesus is calling on you and me to
stand up for His goodness…to be His hands and feet in these situations
and demonstrate grace, mercy, kindness, forgiveness, compassion, and
love for others – ALL of them. This is our “call to arms,” so to
speak…to unite as the “army” of believers and shine His light in the
darkness. Are you ready and willing to do your part?
©2016 Debbie Robus
No comments:
Post a Comment