May 9
Littleton
Out of respect for the dead, Marilyn Manson canceled his (its?) singing (screaming?) engagements for the rest of the year. The National Rifle Association shortened its convention in Denver and a television network pulled a show from its lineup that had a school shooting in Denver as the story line.
Why? Two boys took up arms and maliciously, in cold blood, killed 12 innocent children and one courageous teacher. I can’t even begin to imagine the pain suffered by those families. This Mother’s Day, my heart goes out to the people of Littleton, Colorado.
What’s the answer? Gun control? More laws and regulations? Censorship of violent video games, rock music and movies? Medal detectors in the schools? Armed policeman patrolling the hallways? Corporal punishment? Putting prayer back in the schools?
Talking heads and pundits are filling the airwaves with their opinions about the cause and the cure of this madness. Out of respect for the dead, I’ll not use this tragedy as an opportunity to footnote to my opinions, instead, I’ll just weep with those who weep.
“God, help those who weep today, give them strength to face tomorrow and the courage to make their world a better place. Comfort, comfort your people.”
One more thing I’ll do—I’ll pause to count my blessings.
“Thank you Lord, for the health to serve you, if it wasn’t for your miraculous touch on my body, I know I would not be able. I thank you for two precious boys who are the joy of my heart and a godly wife who faithfully serves beside me. I thank you for her gentle spirit, and spiritual radiance. I thank you for a father who serves as an example to me of what it means to be a loving pastor, faithful husband, and caring dad. And of course, I thank you for my mother, who is the godliest person I know. Thank you for the blessings you bring into my life and I pray that I will be a blessing to others.”
May God bless the mothers of Littleton … and the rest of the world.
Jim L. Wilson, Fresh Start Devotionals (Fresno, CA: Willow City Press, 2009).
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