On December 14, 2012, 20 precious angels were ripped from their families. Taken forever. I can't even imagine the horror that filled their last moments. The only thing that brings me comfort is knowing that our loving Father welcomed them into his arms immediately, and that they were filled with joy at the sight of their Creator, all horror and fear forgotten. Seven selfless, loving adults gave their lives trying protect these children. They are heroes and deserve to be honored and remembered for their last acts of kindness. I have always held teachers in high regard but even more so after hearing stories of how teachers protected children in the midst of a horrifying nightmare. I pray that our Savior will bring peace and comfort to all affected by this tragedy, that He would wrap His loving arms around them and never let go.
In the days that have followed this most horrifying event I have been shocked by the amount of people who have taken this event as an opportunity to push their own political and spiritual agendas. Again, my heart breaks. I am a follower of Jesus Christ. I love Him with my whole heart, I can't imagine living life without Him. Without Him, I would be completely lost. That being said, I have been so frustrated by friends and fellow believers who have taken this tragedy as an opportunity to push their opinions on political and spiritual hot topics such as gun control and abortion. This is not the time for that! It is too soon, we are too raw from the horrific happenings of December 14. I agree that some things need to be addressed but let these poor families and the rest of the nation mourn the loss of precious life in peace before emotional hot topics are pushed in their faces. Jesus called us to first love God and then love others:
Mark 12:28-34
New International Version (NIV)
The Greatest Commandment
28 One of the teachers of the law came and heard them debating. Noticing that Jesus had given them a good answer, he asked him, “Of all the commandments, which is the most important?”
29 “The most important one,” answered Jesus, “is this: ‘Hear, O Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one.[a] 30 Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength.’[b] 31 The second is this: ‘Love your neighbor as yourself.’[c] There is no commandment greater than these.”
32 “Well said, teacher,” the man replied. “You are right in saying that God is one and there is no other but him. 33 To love him with all your heart, with all your understanding and with all your strength, and to love your neighbor as yourself is more important than all burnt offerings and sacrifices.”
34 When Jesus saw that he had answered wisely, he said to him, “You are not far from the kingdom of God.” And from then on no one dared ask him any more questions.
Bringing up these topics, at this point in time, lacks compassion, love and grace. What people need, especially now, is love and compassion. Please friends, lets remember to love first. Let's not get so distracted and obsessed with our political and spiritual opinions that we lose our ability to be loving and compassionate.
