I have to confess, I do not watch the news and don’t keep up with social media. I text, get on face book occasionally and by the grace of God, I am able to do this blog. As I said before I am technologically challenged.
The reason, I don’t watch the news is because my heart breaks as it announces the disasters that occur daily in our world. My heart and spirit actually feels shattered when I hear about the evil acts, the hate and lack of respect and love that people have for each other. The turmoil in our culture continues to get worse by the day.
The news can cause fear, worry, anxiety and insomnia as the horrific stories repeat over and over throughout the week.
Unfortunately, there is more disturbing news than good news.
Last week, my mom and I were in the Atlanta air port waiting to catch a flight home. There was a lady sitting behind me that was in a state of emotional and psychological distress. Her hair was disheveled and matted. She was rocking back and forth; hitting her chest; calling out numbers and clapping loudly. She sat on the floor and began doing yoga and waving her hands. One of the attendance tried to help her but the young woman was not able to control herself or to complete sentences or answer any questions.
I am ashamed to admit, my first thought was; I hope she will not be on our plane and not sit next to my mom and I. But then my heart was filled with compassion and burdened for her. I began praying for her to get the help she needed. She was totally alone, clueless to where she was and she was helpless. The fire fighters came and gently took her aside while they tried to figure out a plan of care.
But for the grace of God, go I.
Then, this Thursday after work on June 10th, I was at Our Lady Queen of the Apostle church to pray and unwind with the Lord; when alarmingly, I saw and heard the screeching sirens of about 8 police cars zooming down Crestwood blvd. I immediately prayed for whatever was occurring, for the officers attending to the trauma and for all those involved. The peace, I sought was replaced by questions, tears, concern and compassion.
When I left the church, I drove down Okeechobee blvd to go to the bank and discovered that “my" Publix was surrounded by police. The Publix, that is only about a block from my house. At the bank, I saw more police cars race down 441 to Okeechobee. The teller inquired if I knew what was going on. I reported what I saw but had no news. Another, drive through, customer reported that there had been a shooting at “my” Publix. Later, I heard 3 people were dead.
My emotions were shattered for everyone involved and their families.
But for the grace of God, go I, my mother, my children, my grandchildren.
Then last night on TV, I heard that on June 3, a 14 year old girl and a 12 year old boy are facing attempted murder charges after using an AK-47 in a shootout. I started to cry, for those children their parents and all the children in this world, now, and those to come.
But for the grace of God, go I, my children and my grandchildren.
When tragedies like this occur, I wonder why?
Why did they do this horrific act? What caused them to snap?
Why is there so much sickness, hatred, and evil in our world?
Why do people want to hurt others and destroy families?
What happened to them, or what did they lack that created this incident?
It is evident that the enemy is prowling around to destroy the human race.
Maybe, if we taught and obeyed the 10 commandments and treasured them
instead of treating them as an archaic artifact;
and maybe, if we all obeyed the 2 greatest commands:
to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind
and to love our neighbors as ourselves;
And maybe, if we applied daily the fruits of the spirit:
love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness, and self control;
And maybe, if we practiced what we learned in Kindergarten:
to be kind, share, treat others as we want to be treated and don’t hurt each other;
And maybe if we all prayed for each other and forgave one another
then maybe, all of this chaos would cease.
If we want to see change in the world; It’s got to start right here. It’s got to start right now.
And it has to start with each one of us. Pray fervently, without ceasing.
google Casting Crowns - "Start right Here"
6-13-21
Comments