Random thoughts:
After much prayer, and observation of this tragedy panning out, I like so many others find myself asking the age old question during trying times, "Why did God allow this to happen?"
The answer I finally found is about as big as it gets yet so simple in nature.
As a result of this tragedy, Christians are coming together on the world stage to show what being a Christian means.
We see God's love in the deceased victims' beautiful smiling faces being shown to us throughout the media. No one looking at them can possibly miss it. It is unmistakable.
We don't question that we are looking at good people who were trying to live a good life by worshiping together.
They didn't deserve to have their lives taken away by hate.
However, hate is not a winner here, because of the tremendous outpouring of love by fellow Christians. Instead of exploding on the scene, evil is struck down.
The world is moved by the victims' closest family members whose words in court ring with their incredible grief and at the same time their willingness to forgive.
Christians understand the power of forgiveness and the gift of mercy towards the eternal salvation of the soul. They are teaching it to the world.
There has not been such an example of a unified Christian outpouring in this country for a very long time. The last time I recall feeling it to this extent was when I snuck out of my house to march with an MLK jr authorized organization of Churches.
Much like those times we have been living in a country suffering from racial strife. In similarity the churches of Charleston and across the country have united to stand together in spite of it.
Christians recognize each other as brothers and sisters in God. The divisions created by the world are meaningless. We are family.
Even the woman who was responsible for helping police catch the killer, spoke out loudly about how the glory was not to her but to God. When God is glorified, evil is crushed.
This story cannot unfold without us seeing, hearing and reading about God and the difference between good and evil is made clear.
When I think of these nine souls in heaven, I see them smiling. I believe their human sacrifices resulting in this accomplishment of good prevailing over evil are greatly rewarded.
God knew their names before they were in the womb. Surely these souls were ready and willing to come and live in God's love and to die for it if that is what was required of them. All of the Christians I've ever known have felt this way.
At a time when our country appeared to be about to explode from the manipulation of evil to turn God's tribes against each other, we see instead, the power of unity in those who love God and follow the enlightened path.
I am so sorry for the sacrifice of their lives to bring us to this moment and for all who are hurting from their tragic deaths. At the same time I am so thankful for those who are rising against the tide of hate and division to face down evil in the name of God.
God works in mysterious ways. Christians, the power of prayer, the power of love and forgiveness, the discussion of good vs evil are shining over the darkness of the earth.
My prayers continue for the victims, their loved ones, Christians and our country. I pray to God, "Please help us to always remember that you are the tie that binds, the way, the truth and the light. Let there be love." Amen
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May He be glorified in all our acts.
Hon, it's a hard lesson, and one I am still learning.