There will be many postings today on the tragedy that occurred yesterday at the First Baptist Church in Sutherland Springs, TX. Many will speculate about all of the whys and hows. Some will write profiles of the background of the shooter and will publish all kinds of interviews with shocked and horrified family, friends, or neighbors. None of it will change what happened: more than 2 dozen people left this life suddenly and without warning in a place that should have been the very essence of peace and safety because one person made an unthinkable choice.
The ripple effect of the loss is unimaginable. There are no words to pretty it up or make it more palatable. Nothing I write here will change it. I’m left–WE are left–with what to do now…even those of us who live far away and don’t know anyone connected with Sutherland Springs.
In the face of such loss, we mourn. We get angry. We vow to make changes–none of which will affect the fate of those no longer with us.
The choices left to us now will only affect the living. In the face of such loss, a simple 30 day challenge not to complain might seem too small to continue. It is not.
Creating a more positive life is never a small goal, even when it involves moment by moment choices that might go otherwise unnoticed. It is the cumulative effect over time that mounts up and makes the difference. It is in the consistent application of good choices that we make a good life for ourselves and those around us. It may not show up on a billboard campaign, but we can mourn this horrendous loss and not complain. We can grieve and not add to the empty noise of rhetoric and speculation. We can comfort. We can build up. We can encourage. We can reach out. We can CHOOSE to be people of influence for good…even in this.
Our prayers are with those who lost yesterday…and with those who will need to move forward today…whether or not they live in Texas. Reach for the hand nearest to you. Hug the one you can. Listen to the one who is closest. Pray for all of us. We have choices to make and they need to be good ones.
“The Lord is near to the brokenhearted and saves the crushed in spirit.” Psalm 34:18 (ESV)
Grace and Peace!
quiet ambitions: 
My coworker just moved here from this tiny town–which she described as very similar to Brooks–and she knew most, if not all, of the victims. Three of her classmates were killed, along with long-time friends and a family she is close to. She is especially burdened for the children who are facing more surgery and an uncertain future, especially since they are students in the school where her father is the principal and her mother teaches second grade. Through her tears, she also told me that one of the couples who were shot had led more people to Christ than anyone she’d ever known, and they would’ve been willing to take the bullets for everyone else. Seeing and hearing her pain in the loss of her friends has put an even more personal perspective on this horrible tragedy, and it has broken my heart. Please continue to pray. They need all the prayers you can give.
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Oh, Melanie. My heart breaks. I’m so glad He has put her in your path to minister, to love, to pray for and pray with right now. It is a huge responsibility, but it is also a sign of His trust that you’re able to be His hands and feet and hugs for her in this hard thing. Praying for you as you minister. ❤️
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