Terrible things happen all over the world, every single day. It is a sad truth of this world. However, Governor Bobby Jindal said it best when he said, “You never expect it to happen here.” It isn’t that we roll over each morning and put on our blinders before getting out of bed. It’s just that Louisiana is blessed to be a God fearing, bible thumping state full of good ole boys and southern hospitality. We know such tragic acts are a possibility (hence so many of our residents packing heat), but we also feel a little safe here. I’ll agree with all you naysayers, sometimes we feel a little too safe. However, I’m not sure that’s always such a bad thing. I don’t want my children growing up in a place where they have to fear going out to a movie, or the mall, or any other place outside of the home. You can be aware of the possibility of danger and still feel extremely comfortable in your surroundings.
What happened in Lafayette is a tragedy. My heart hurts for the families of the victims, for those injured, for those who witnessed the event, and for our great state. However, my heart also is hurt for the man who committed such a horrendous act, as well as his family. That man obviously had demons; he had a very deep struggle. His actions portray a very lost man, living without the love of Jesus within a very lost world. There are people out there who knew him: friends, family, acquaintances, colleagues, etc. Can you possibly imagine how they must feel? I know I can’t. My heart hurts for those people, too.
So what now? Well, now we pray. We pray for all of those touched by this event. And yes…we pray for those who have a desire to boycott the funerals of the victims. We should not only pray for ‘friends’, but ‘foes’ as well. This is a group of people who have been deceived and taught immense untruth. So yes, they need our prayers. This is also a time for unity and brotherhood. This is a time where you get to see that southern hospitality I mentioned shine bright. Just watch!
Those of you who don’t know the love of Jesus are likely saying, “Where was your God when this man opened fire on innocent people?” Let me tell you:
- He was with the victims as their earthly lives were taken too soon.
- He was with the bystanders as they were struck with fear and began to flee the building.
- He was with those who were injured. He heard their plees and prayers, and brought help.
- He was with those who were so brave as to run toward the deadly action to help others.
- He was with the policemen and emergency responders as they arrived to the scene to assess people and what aid was needed.
- He was with the two teachers, as one shielded her friend, likely sparing her life. That is courage and love granted by God.
- He was with the doctors and nurses as they welcomed each patient with reassurance, and provided them with the necessary medical help they needed.
- He was with the families and friends of the victims, holding and comforting them as they received the terrible news.
- He was with the families and friends of each of the movie goers as they waited to hear from loved ones, not knowing if they were hurt or not.
- He was with all of the residents of Louisiana as they heard the news.
- He was with our Governor, protecting him has he traveled to Lafayette. He gave Gov. Jindal wisdom as to how to address press, residents, those injured, and the victims’ families.
- He was also with the shooter’s family and friends as they heard the terrible news of what he had done. He held them; helped them to try to understand.
- He was with the residents of Lafayette the morning after, giving them the courage to begin a new day.
- He will continue to be with each of these in the days ahead.
My God was there. He had a lot of work that night. No job is too big…or too small. God was there, and He will continue to be there. That my friends, is how sometimes we can feel ‘a little too safe’. With God we have nothing to fear!
God Bless!
Kees of Life 