Today has been a day that has left my heart aching. It has sent my mind reeling. Images have been inscribed in my brain that can never be forgotten. Tragedy has devoured the little community in which I live and devastated many of its inhabitants. So many people are left looking up to heaven and asking why. Why the destruction? Why the pain? Why the turmoil? Why the sickness?
As a teacher, you see lots of students go through things. Unimaginable things. Things you cannot understand the reasoning behind. Today was one of those days. Two of my previous students experienced life changing tragedies and seen the evil of the world today. Unimaginable evil. Another special baby, while not my student but a relative, is laying in the hospital receiving chemotherapy today for the ugly "C" word we hear thrown around way too often for innocent little children. It's hard to wrap my head around the "why" on a day like today.
As I prayed throughout the day today, I prayed mostly for peace and comfort for families, kids, and victims. I prayed that they could find solace in the arms of Jesus and lean on him for understanding. I also prayed that our little community could surround and support each need with love, kindness, and sympathy. After all that, I prayed that they wouldn't worry about the "why". I prayed that they would trust in God with their whole heart and that whatever was thrown in their direction would be part of a purpose or a plan that would eventually unfold to them.
With so much evil, sickness, and monstrosity in the world today, I'm glad I have Jesus to lean on for understanding and rest. I'm glad that no matter what happens, he has placed me in a community that will overcome and prevail. I am blessed that I don't have to worry about tomorrow or what it may hold, because whether I wake up tomorrow and take a breath or for some reason I don't, I know what's waiting for me...and that brings me a peace that I cannot describe in earthly terms.
I say all this, to reach out to anyone reading this that is struggling with all the events of today and even this week. If you cannot find the peace and comfort you need and you haven't accepted Christ as your savior, think about putting your heart in his hands. Experience the greatest comforter you will ever know. Trust in him and not on your own understanding and he will direct your path.
Please continue to pray for families affected by random acts of violence, death, and sickness.