Volume 5, Issue 40
The President of the United States correctly defined this outrage as “an act of pure evil.” The shooter took advantage of a 32nd floor platform to rain down automatic gunfire on a crowd of 22,000 unsuspecting people enjoying an early fall concert. He took every advantage of the situation to foment terror.
And once again, the American people demonstrate, by their instinctive acts of courage, the character that permeates our society. First responders appeared within minutes, taking no account for their own lives to save others. Total strangers aided those around them, not leaving the scene for their own safety. Fathers lay on top of their children. At least on husband was killed shielding his young wife. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, the President’s Press Secretary, stated resoundingly what we all feel as Americans, “What these people did for each other says far more about who we are as Americans than the cowardly acts of a killer ever could.”
Whether the tragedy is an act of violence or a natural disaster, from hurricanes to floods to Sandy Hook to Orlando, Americans have consistently shown the resolve of the deeply imbedded values of their character. They have thought of others before themselves. They have served without consideration. They were united in their bond with each other.
What then is left to be said?
Nothing but the fact that such unimaginable evil leaves us speechless, remorseful, thoughtful, and united in our national reflection in a time such as this.
We begin the cycle of dealing with such great personal and national loss. We are shocked. We are in raw bereavement. We will continue to grieve. We will honor those we lost. We will take stock in their memories. We will appreciate those who protect us. And we will move on. We will go on living in the hope through our faith that there is more power in the collective good of all the people than in the lone, absolute evil of one deranged soul.
As we reflect upon these times and our personal identification in them, it is important to determine the basis of principles we bring forward as the foundation of our reflections. If it is faith that brings comfort in our anxiety, then written scripture is our initial light of comfort. Christians rely upon the Word of the bible as revelation of a greater purpose. In this faith is the absolute confidence that God is in control of all circumstances and will ultimately render righteousness.
6 Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.7 And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.
Philippians 4:6-7
28 And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.
The debate has already begun on more restrictive gun control laws, more surveillance of the mentally ill, and more control of free speech. There is merit in the discussion, but the ultimate solution is the call within each of us to live by the standard and the principle “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.”
What brings peace of mind to a Christian is not just the words of the above scripture, but that there is a purpose in life as defined by a Creator who has control of that purpose. God is love.
What should bring peace of mind to all citizens is the reality and hope of the greatest principle of all that cannot be legislated, mandated, or managed. Love.
My name is Marc Nuttle and this is what I believe.
What do you believe?