Tragedy in Connecticut

Many of us have watched the television coverage of the senseless murder of the innocent children and adults in Sandy Hook Elementary School.  It is hard to imagine the pain and sorrow that the community is feeling as they mourn the loss of their family and friends.  I am always amazed at the acts of kindness and compassion that arises out of the hearts of people as we deal with tragedies such as this one.  For a few moments we are able to lay aside our differences and focus on someone other than ourselves.  We have seen that played out many times in the history of our families, communities, and even our nation.  Why is it so difficult to learn from these situations and allow this compassion and concern to be a part of our daily lives?  Why do we allow the tears on our faces to dry to as we return to our normal lives of self-preservation, selfishness, and personal comfort?  I live in hope that we will learn to care about each other even more and allow this care to develop into a heart of sincere compassion that will reach people with the message of the Gospel.  The old song declares this prophetic word today "In times like these, we need a Savior..."

 

We are already hearing the pundits discuss the areas of appropriate action that we should take as the result of this tragic event.  We hear the calls for more gun control; we hear the calls for safer school buildings; we hear the call for security personnel to be assigned to schools; and we even hear the calls for better training for the staff of our local schools.  Each of these areas should be discussed and I am sure that there is room for improvement in many of them.  But can we ever "sin-proof" our schools?  Will be able to offer promises that no perpetrator will ever enter the hallways of our educational facilities?  Where is the call for the people of our nation to draw near to God in a heart of sincere repentance?  Yes, I am praying for the victims of this tragedy and yes there has been and is tears in my eyes as I watch the coverage.  I think about our grandchildren as they prepare to return to school this morning.  I think of the children of New River as they prepare to return to school this morning.  I think of the children of our nation as they return to school this morning.  But I also think of how many people have ignored God and pushed Him away because they felt all was "well" with their life.  I think of how we have allowed our lives to be dominated by the desires of the flesh and the call from the Spirit has been spurned and resisted.  When will someone have the courage to stand up and say that our nation is in need of guidance and direction from God?  How quick will we forget this tragedy and move back to "normal?"  Is it not time to allow the Spirit to open our lives to the heart of God and realize that He is ready to forgive and heal our nation of our sinfulness?  Will you take the time to listen for the Voice of God in your daily life?  He is near the broken-hearted!!!