This week our small town endured quite the tragedy. Late in the evening someone came in to a local grocery store, and opened fire. It didn't take long, although it felt like an eternity, before we realized people had lost their lives and someone mindlessly took them. My heart grieves, my heart grieves for the families of those who lost loved ones. But mostly, my heart mostly grieves for the man that took them. The place his heart was in to commit such a crime, such a hanes act. My heart grieves that he will never know the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ and can only hope that those whose lives were taken, did.
As ridiculous as it sounds, I had to go to the grocery store today... and was so scared. I know random acts of violence can happen anywhere, at anytime, and for no particular reason, but going grocery shopping this week was just not something I felt like doing.
I noticed while being there I was not the only one on edge. There was husband's with their wives, surveying the area as the wife shopped, people looking over their shoulders, etc... I made a point, something I do often, but made a point especially today knowing my nerves were on edge to pray for safety. Pray that Jesus' blood would cover and protect us.
I also made a strong effort to show kindness to everyone I encountered. Whether it was a smile, nod, or a simple hello. Kindness could be the difference for someone. A simple act of kindness could change the mind of the most twisted individual.
It's such a comfort to know that despite the fact we have no control over our future, we serve a God who does. And happens to love us very, very much. I rest in that... :)
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