Senseless Murders in Colorado

Trying to deal with the reality of yesterday’s shootings in Colorado. Once again, rage and evil stalk our land. More lives are cut short without warning. Why? Please explain this to me. I want an answer. And yet the person who committed the crime is dead. His voice is silent. But the memory of his final act echoes and scars people for life.

Two teenage sisters and their dad were caught in the line of fire at New Life Church (minutes from my home). Both sisters, 16 and 18, died. The father is still in the hospital. Two others were treated and released from local hospitals. Oh, how I ache over this. I hate evil. Teenagers have so much to look forward to. College. Marriage. Children. A career. But instead of Colorado teens focusing on their future, they, once again, have to grapple with murder. Senseless murder. Why?

Teens aren’t the only ones affected. I hated telling my kids, ages 10 and 14. They both know friends at that church. So do I.

So where is the good? This is the kind of experience that makes me long for heaven. A place of no more tears. A place of love, peace, worship, and song. I’m desperately wanting to go home. I hate being a pilgrim sometimes. But I cling to what I have on earth because I fear the process of dying.

I wish I could change what happened yesterday. I wish I could bring back lives. I wish I could talk the shooter out of acting so violently. I wish. . .

Even among all my wishes, I still have hope. Hope of seeing or hearing the positive through all of this. I will not live in fear. I will not stop living because of this. I will still attend church. I will still shop in malls. I will still drive my kids to school. I will not cower to evil. Rather I will stand on the truth that God is good. And that God is love. He knows the number of my days. Whether short or long.

Heavenly Father, I worship you. You are still good. You are still who you say you are. You are my only hope. I lean into you. Fill my heart with your love. I trust you for the strength I need today.

Even in the midst of terrible crimes, you are near. You weep with those who weep. Please God comfort of friends and families of the victims and the gunman. Bring supernatural peace. Start the healing process for Youth On a Mission, New Life Church, the state of Colorado, our entire nation, and in our homes.

What Satan meant for evil, You will use for good. Allow people to accept Christ through this experience. Allow those who hold unforgiveness in their hearts to find freedom and forgive. Allow us to really live out what matters most.

I confess much of our nation has turned away from our roots: our Christian faith. We’ve fallen in love with other gods. Idols of all shapes and sizes. We worship things, comfort, money, status, and ourselves. I’m no exception. It’s so easy to become distracted. Please, Lord, turn our hearts towards you. Somehow further your purpose for our generation. Heal our land.

Thank you for the volunteer security guard that bravely shot the man responsible. Thank you for the lives that were spared. Thank you for hope. Continue to shine your light into this dark hole we are in. Help us stand tall in the face of adversity. Bring us closer to you. We need you. We need each other. Please wrap your invisible arms around each person affected. Comfort us as we grieve. Grant us hope and joy again.

Even in this tunnel, we celebrate the fact that these young lives are now in your presence. Experiencing your glory. Forever. No more sorrow. Only love.

In Jesus’ name,

Amen