Today has been a really tough day.
A mass shooting occurred at the military base where I have worked for over 30 years.
Things like this don’t happen in our sleepy little corner of the state, especially not on a secure naval base.
The fact that it did happen has rattled me. Greatly.
Only yesterday as I walked across the parking lot after work, I thanked the Lord that I worked on the base where I have always felt safe.
And then today happened…and I feel like my sense of safety has been stolen.
While I did not know them, I grieve the loss of those who lost their lives. I grieve for their loved ones who must face a new normal. I grieve for the coworkers who experienced the horrific ordeal. I grieve for the first responders who had to deal with the results of an evil act.
I am angry at the shooter. Angry that his radical, hate-filled, selfish anger has taken away so very much from so many people.
Yet, I know I cannot let anger take root in my heart.
I can’t give fear a foothold.
I must not listen to my feelings or allow them to distort truth.
Instead, I will give thanks.
I am thankful for the heroic men and women in law enforcement who ran into the building knowing what evil they would face, yet they entered without hesitation.
I am thankful for the way our community has united and is responding to this crisis.
I am thankful – and overwhelmed - for the dozens of phone calls, texts and social media messages I have received from my family and friends, both near and far.
And I am thankful that I know - without a doubt - that my true security is in the Lord.
I will lift up my eyes to the mountains; From where shall my help come? My help comes from the Lord, Who made heaven and earth. He will not allow your foot to slip; He who keeps you will not slumber. Behold, He who keeps Israel Will neither slumber nor sleep.
The Lord is your keeper; The Lord is your shade on your right hand. The sun will not smite you by day, Nor the moon by night. The Lord will protect you from all evil; He will keep your soul.
The Lord will guard your going out and your coming in From this time forth and forever.
~ Psalm 121
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