As I sit at my desk thinking about the horrible news of the Las Vegas mass shooting, I can’t seem to compose the words to convey my thoughts. Since we are all friends and have formed a bond through this blog, I am just going to share my random emotions and reactions to the events of the past days.
We’ve already seen the political experts coming out of the woodwork to blame everyone in this country for what happened. I just cringe at people using an event of complete horror as an opportunity to advance their career. Finding fault seems to override all issues.
In the upcoming weeks, we will have a full analysis from all angles, but it won’t erase the heartache of families across the country—and around the world—who woke up to bad news regarding their loved ones yesterday. It won’t stop the tears of pain and sorrow. It won’t undo what has happened.
Early in my life, I would have never even given thought to mass shootings, cars running over hundreds of people (last week and months before), and children harmed in schools or anywhere for that matter. What can we do? Can we even make any difference at all?
One Bible passage comes to my mind from Proverbs 3:5–6:
Trust in the LORD with all your heart
And do not lean on your own understanding.
In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.
There is no understanding any of this. All we can do is trust in the Lord. To those of you who have been personally affected by this and other tragedies, you have a group of people on this blog who are lifting you up in prayer.
I already read about the young couple from Tennessee who attended the concert. The husband was killed protecting his wife. Other accounts similar to this will unfold in the days ahead, and our hearts will break all over again. What can we do?
First of all, we can make sure those in our lives know we love them. We must tell them constantly. Love is the greatest gift we can give anyone, and it will make a difference in their lives.
Second, know where your children are and who they are with always. Be overprotective—there is nothing wrong with it.
Third, we can also be proactive in watching things around us. If you see something that doesn’t look right or is maybe a little suspicious, say something. You never know how an action this simple could change a potential outcome.
Lastly, pray for peace in our world. I want my grandchildren to know the country I grew up in where neighbors helped each other, friends were loyal, and you could play on the playground and be safe. Maybe those days are gone, but I pray not. We can pray for hearts to be softened and for people to know that they have worth.
Hug tighter today, love deeply, and pray for peace in the hearts of our fellow man.