You've got to {Have Faith}

Life is hard.  Who's with me?! 

  As a faithful woman, I believe in prayer.  Some of the things I pray for include:   good health peace comfort prosperity understanding hope specific individuals patience acceptance rain a good night's sleep motivation   Seriously, the list goes on and on.  

God never promised that we would live a life without struggle and hardship. It's going to happen. God told us it's going to happen; not 'if', but 'when'. And when it does, that's when our faith is tested the most! 

So many difficult and tragic things happen that cause us to doubt God's existence and whether or not His way is the right way. Click here for a list of a few of the tragedies since 1995 that have shocked our nation to the core. 

Faith is not questioned only on the large-scale issues, but in everyday life as well. "Why is my loved one facing such financial ruin?" "Why is my mother so sick?" "Why is there not enough food to go around for everyone?" "Why does cancer even exist?" "Why is there so much suffering in the world?"

Why does God allow tragedy and suffering?

The answer is simple: "I do not know." 

I cannot stand in God's shoes with His mind.  He knows all things; we don't.  But it is written,

Now we see things imperfectly, like puzzling reflections in a mirror, but then we will see everything with perfect clarity. All that I know now is partial and incomplete, but then I will know everything completely, just as God now knows me completely. - 1 Corinthians 13:12

When you ask about specific events and want to know why a particular thing happened, we don't get the full answer in this world.  Someday, we'll see with clarify, but for now things are foggy. We have a finite perspective of everything, and we simply cannot understand it all. 

To those going through a difficult time, whether it be the effects of a mass casualty situation, the loss of a loved one by cancer, financial hardship, or poverty, they desperately need the real and comforting presence of Jesus Christ in their lives so that they may know peace. 

It's very well known that when you pray for something, the way you perceive and ask of it is not necessarily how it will happen.  God has a plan for everything and everyone.  You've got to have faith that when it's time, it'll happen. It's so easy to get frustrated and caught up in your own wants and needs - I'm guilty of this all too often.  I just take a deep breath and remind myself that it's all in His hands, and I trust in Him. 

When you're questioning 'why', remember:

1. God is not the creator of evil and suffering. 

God saw all that he had made, and it was very good. - Genesis 1:31

This answers the question we hear all too often: "Why didn't God merely create a world where tragedy and suffering didn't exist?"  HE DID!  Love is the highest value in the universe, and God wanted us to experience love.  But in order to have the ability to experience this, God had to give us free will to decide whether or not to love.  Love always involves a choice.  As humans, we've abused our free will by rejecting God and walking away from Him.  Enter, evil. 

2. Though suffering isn't good, God can use it to accomplish good.

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. - Romans 8:28

This is God's promise that he will cause good to emerge, not that he causes evil and suffering. If we're committed to following Him, he promises that good will come of every bad and terrible situation.  Think about it, when you're completely encompassed in tragedy, grief, and anger, do you think to yourself, "Hey, it's okay because I know that good will become of this situation.  I know I will better because I have experienced this pain." The answer 90% of the time is no.  Of course you don't. You are so terribly hurt and are grieving that you do not see outside of that particular situation - sometimes for years to come. But God does - He knows that experiencing what you did will cause you to become better because of it, if not only stronger to deal with the next wave of suffering. 

3. The day is coming when suffering will cease and God will judge evil.

The Lord is not slow in keeping His promise, as some understand slowness. He is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance. - 2 Peter 3:9

The Bible says that the story of this world is not over yet.  The day will come when sickness and pain will be eradicated and people will be held accountable for the evil they've committed.  (and here comes my all-time favorite sentence...) Justice will be served in a perfect way.  That day will come, but not yet.  Why? Well, God is waiting for US. He is holding out that more will come to follow His will and spend eternity in Heaven.  We are still a work in progress, people!  This also reminds us that life is short and is very fragile.  We've all seen it! We have got to have faith and live our lives even amongst the pain and suffering.  You never know when your last day will be your last.

4. Our suffering will pale in comparison to what God has in store for his followers.

For our light and momentary troubles are achieving for us an eternal glory that far outweighs them all. - 2 Corinthians 4:17

Now, that's pretty heavy.  But when you put your bad days into context, they aren't worth comparing with the 'eternity of blessings and joy' you are to experience. God promises a time with no more tears, no more heartache, no more agony when we will be reunited with God in perfect harmony, forever. 

No eye has seen, no ear has heard, no mind has conceived what God has prepared for those who love him. - 1 Corinthians 4:9

5. We decide whether to turn bitter or turn to God for peace and courage.

I have told you these things so that in me you may have peace. You will have suffering in this world. But be courageous! I have conquered the world. - John 16:33

I've personally seen the same (or near similar) set of circumstances cause one person to reject God and become bitter and another to turn to God and become more gentle and loving.  That's right, we get to decide. Are you going to let what is currently happening momentarily in your life fill your heart with hatred and turn away from God?  Or are you going to allow it to fill your heart with peace and comfort knowing that it was God's will to be done?  Again, you get to decide. 

God offers us two things we need when we're hurting: peace to deal with our present and courage to deal with our future. Check out this excerpt:

Through His own suffering and death, He has deprived this world of its ultimate power over you. Suffering doesn’t have the last word anymore. Death doesn’t have the last word anymore. God has the last word!

How amazing! That definitely lifts my spirit when I'm in a dark place. Suffering is a personal problem; it demands a personal response.  My response is that you've got to have faith.  Salvation comes from knowing Christ personally and receiving His provision for YOUR sin and YOUR future. It comes from making him YOUR Savior, by asking Him to forgive YOUR every sin, and by asking Him to lead YOUR life. 

This post was inspired by and references a message delivered by Lee Strobel at Cherry Hills Community Church in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. 

Pray for {Oklahoma}

Today, the entire nation is praying for Oklahoma while they deal with the effects of yesterday's tornado.    A tornado ripped through Moore, OK yesterday afternoon, destroying dozens of buildings and homes, including two elementary schools.    

 The tornado is reported to have been 2 miles wide - y'all, that's HUGE!  The National Weather Service put the tornado at EF-4, with winds up to 200mph.    The death toll had been reported to be at 51, with twenty of those being children.  However, the death toll has been revised down to 24, and at least 240 people are injured.     

  If you or anyone you know are looking for loved ones, you can call the patient care hotline at moore Medical Center: 405.307.1366.      Please, if you can donate, do!  The best way to help is to donate at RedCross.org or text REDCROSS to 90999.  $10 will be donated to redcross and be added to your cell phone bill.    The Salvation Army has mobilized a number of emergency relief services in Oklahoma, including Moore, to dispense food, hydration and emotional support to first responders and survivors.  Donate online or text STORM to 80888 to contribute $10 to the Salvation Army's relief efforts.  You can also call to make a donation at 1-800-SAL-ARMY.     Check out this video of a tornado survivor that lost her home but found her dog while being interviewed on TV: http://www.ibtimes.co.uk/articles/469468/20130521/oklahoma-tornado-mising-dog-found-cbs-live.htm     Today, I'm praying for everyone affected by this natural disaster.    Today, pray for Oklahoma.  

   

Praying for West,TX

Was it not just TWO days ago that I was posting on how devastating and heartbreaking a tragedy was that occurred on MONDAY??    Yes, it was.   And now, it's Thursday, and my heart hurts all over again!    Less than 2 hours away from Austin, the small town of West, Texas was faced with tragedy yesterday.    What began as a fire at a fertilizer plant in West, TX ended in an explosion that registered a 2.1 on the Richter scale.  The explosion was felt more than 45 miles away...   And once again, people's lives have been altered.   

  More than 15 people have died, including firefighters and at least one paramedic.    Over 150 others have been injured.      My heart and prayers go out to anyone and everyone affected by this explosion.  Reports now state that the cause of the explosion is uknown, although early on it was thought that an ammonia tank had caught fire and exploded.  But until they are sure, they are treating the incident as a crime.   

  Near the explosion site was a nursing home, of which collapsed, leaving several residents lost and stuck in the rubble.  The nursing home and at least half of the town has been evacuated.    A man was working nearby on the highway, and immediately went in search of people to help after what happened - he ultimately made three trips to the hospital, his truck loaded down with victims.  On his last trip, he took a 95 year-old resident of the nursing home to the hospital.  Her request was that he please go and find her Bible and prayer book.  Out of all of her possessions, those items are what she sought out most.    Once again, people have come together in the face of danger and tragedy to show their selflessness & heroism, no matter how small.  Once again, we are shown that in desperate times of need, people can and do band together to do what needs to be done.      The latest: Apr 18, 2013 11:40 a.m. ET: Speaking to reporters, Waco police spokesman Sgt. William Patrick Swanton said that over 160 people have been injured, but that number could go up.

“I’d imagine that’s increased at this point,” he said.

Swanton also clarified that earlier reports of looting in the area were overestimated, and that there was only one instance of a looter.
“I have confirmed at least there was an incident last night when they thought they may have had a looter,” he said. “It was an isolated incident.”
Destruction in the area had varied, Swanton said.
“It ranges from broken windows to complete devastation. There are homes that are no longer homes … walls were ripped off, roofs were peeled back.”

Swanton told reporters that the cool weather in the area has been helpful, but they want to rescue survivors before rain increases.

“As the hours go by with the temp getting cooler, with rain here, we certainly want to find folks, if they’re in the environment, injured. Numerous search teams are searching as rapidly as they can to save these people,” he said.    10:31 a.m. ET: Aboard Air Force One en route to Boston, President Obama called Gov. Rick Perry to offer any federal resources that may be needed to assist in the ongoing response and recovery effort.
  9:45 a.m. ET: Sgt. William Patrick Swanton, spokesman for the Waco police, said at a press conference that one of the missing individuals has been found, a constable who is also a firefighter. He is currently hospitalized with “pretty serious injuries.”
“We’re still missing 3-4 firefighters,” he said. “No police or EMS are missing, as far as I’m aware.”

Swanton said that the “rough number” of fatalities remains at 5-15, but emphasized that it is still an estimate.

Swanton also said that a significant area of the fertilizer plant had been destroyed, and that homes were leveled as far as five blocks away.

“Homes have been destroyed. Part of that community is gone,” he said.

A small amount of looting had been reported in the area, Swanton said. There are some unidentified people in the area.
“I can’t tell you the number of looters or whether they have been caught … that is a significant concern for us,” he said.
Authorities are now doing a more methodical search — under beds, in closets — and are still in search in rescue mode, and are not yet in recovery mode. There is no word yet on the cause of the fire, Swanton said.         Lives have been lost.  Homes have been destroyed.  The panic.  The fear.  The heartbreak.  I do not have a personal connection with West, Texas, but I'm familiar with what it's like to grow up in a small town.  West's population is about 2,700 and is a very tight-knit community, much like my hometown.  The impact of this incident will last for years and years to come.  And the loss of lives and homes and schools will be that much more intense.   

  Today, I'm especially praying for and loving on the town of West, Texas.       

Praying for Boston

My heart hurts.    Three people were killed yesterday, and over 100 were injured.    Yes, there was another tragedy.    This time, at a marathon.    WHEN WILL IT END?!    Sadly, never.    There is always going to be crime, hatred, and apparently, terrorism.      Two explosions went off yesterday at the Boston Marathon, killing three and injuring many.  The pictures were horrendous.  I cried.  Please, please pray for anyone and everyone effected by the mindless tragedy that occurred.  Lives have been forever altered.  

Just in the past year, it seems as if these tragedies are occuring more and more frequently.  Shootings, stabbings, bombings ... no one is exempt.  It could happen to anyone, anywhere.  And it's causing a lot of fear in the eyes and hearts of people everywhere.    This morning I was listening to SPiRiT 105.9 here in Austin and Max Lucado touched on the topic of fear.  He said there are three questions people ask in the face of an event such as yesterday's bombing: 1-Who am I? 2-Is there a God? 3-Does He know me and love me?  If you can answer these positively, then you have a leg up on confidence and purpose.    Yes, there is fear.  But that doesn't mean you should consume your life with it.  You can't stop living - what good would that do?  none. It's natural to question God when something like this happens.  But God did not promise that evil would never happen.  The devil has gotten into so many hearts, and so many people are angry.  Instead, turn to love.  Consider yourself blessed to be alive today, and look for something, anything, to do for those facing tragedy and hard decisions.  God has put you exactly where you're meant to be.  Don't throw that away.    Instead, look for the hope and the love in the face of tragedy.  Look for the heroes.  Yesterday, there were so many heroes.  Emergency crews worked nonstop to tend to the victims of this tragedy and to keep everyone safe; no one knew if it was over or if more would occur.  Passersby helped complete strangers - applying pressure to bleeding wounds, staying with victims until help arrived even if only for reassurance of humanity in the face of danger, bringing wheelchairs to the fallen, assisting medical crews where necessary.  The people of Boston opened up their homes to complete strangers for those that needed a place to stay and could not return home.    That's pretty awesome.    No, that's badass.  God placed those people there yesterday to help, to show their selflessness in the face of absolute fear and horror.     Our nation is not new to tragedy.  It's been happening for many, many years.    A few that come to mind: 1995 - Oklahoma City bombing (Friday will mark the 18-year anniversary) 1999 - Combine High School shooting (Saturday will mark the 14-year anniversary) 2007 - Virginia Tech shooting (today marks the six-year anniversary) 2009 - Fort Hood Shooting 2011 - September 11th Terrorist Attacks 2012 - Aurora Theater Shooting 2012 - Sandy Hook Elementary shooting 2013 - Boston Marathon bombing   I cannot even begin to imagine the pain and heartbreak that each of these (and more) have cost.  But in the face of all of them, there has been heroism.  Whether it's physically helping victims or families, stopping the murderer, raising funds for victims' families, or praying.  No gesture is too small to help.    If you want to help out in the current tragedy, the Boston Marathon bombings, please go here.    It's hard not to be afraid.  Based on past events, fear is present in just about everything: going to school (whether it be elementary, high school, or college...none have been exempt), going to work, to the gym, to the movie theater with friends or family, a day at the mall, and now, running in a marathon.  It's scary.    But when tragedy strikes, America strikes back.  We've come back from all of these as a stronger nation.  We spread love.  We spread hope.  We rebuild and help the victims & families back up.  We do not give up.    So, if you can, hug your children a little tighter, tell your parents that you love them, send that email you've been putting off to your family you haven't seen in a while, get in the car and visit your loved ones, hang out with your friends - even a simple text to let someone know you're thinking about them.  It's not hard, and it only takes a minute to let someone know you love them.  Please don't take that for granted.  Tomorrow is not promised to any of us.  Make today count.    Today, my thoughts and prayers are especially with the victims, families, first responders, strangers and good samaritans of the Boston Marathon bombings yesterday.  They are left with the aftermath of the event, of which sometimes is harder than anything else.     And since I'm requesting prayers, please also pray for humanity.  Pray that those in need of mental and physical help are in a position to ask for it or to receive it.  Pray for random acts of kindness.  Pray for peace, and for healing.  Pray for love.     Today, I'm praying for Boston.         

Because It Still Hurts

Because it still hurts, not only me, but the entire nation, especially with the holidays days away... 

Because it still hurts, it's discussed.  It's talked about and commented on and prayed about by so many people.  

Because the Newtown, Connecticut mass murder on December 14, 2012 STILL HURTS, I can't not talk about it. 

It's everywhere.  It's in the media.  It's at work.  It's brought up by family, friends, & strangers.  It's mentioned in passing to that person you rode in the elevator with.  It's on the news.  It's online.  It's everywhere - because it still hurts.  And there continue to be many unanswered questions, many of which may remain unanswered forever.  It's just hard to say. 

But, on this subject, there have been many beautiful and glorifying tributes to the souls that were lost that day.  There is so much sadness to go around, it's sometimes hard to breathe.  Sadness for the 27 people whose lives were taken for some unknown reason.  Sadness for the families of those victims, both young and old, whom will most likely never be able to think of and experience the holidays the same.  Sadness for the survivors whom are now dealing with survivor's guilt and the trauma of witnessing such a tragedy. 

I don't watch The Voice, because, let's face it, I watch way too much TV already as it is, and I love my shows dearly, which means no room for new ones.  However, I heard about a tribute they did for the victims of the senseless shooting last week and looked for it.  How heartwrenching and truly touching is this! 

It definitely puts into perspective just how many people lost their lives that day, and just how many were young, innocent children.  This also goes to show how much of a big deal the situation is.  Like I said, it's everywhere.  And don't get me wrong, I'm definitely not complaining!  It needs to be broadcast.  It needs to touch the heart and souls of people everywhere!  Mass murders are a problem.  And those poor families... 

My heart goes out to everyone touched in some way or affected by this tragedy. 

And then you read something like this article from the Global Post, about a 6 year-old-girl who survived: 

'A brave six-year-old became the sole survivor of her first grade class at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. becasue she played dead as shooter Adam Lanza went on his rampage.  According to a pastor close to her family, the unnamed girl lay among the bodies of her 15 classmates until she thought it was safe to leave.  Pastor Jim Solomon told ABC News: "She ran out of the school building covered from head to toe with blood and the first thing she said to her mom was, 'Mommy, I'm OK but all my friends are dead."'

Just imagine what she saw in there.  Whenever she thinks back on her school memories, just imagine what her thoughts are going to be about first grade.  She was so brave and very smart to act as she was already deceased among the bodies of her friends.  The article goes on to say that the girl's family was suffering from survivor's guilt because many of their friends were not as lucky and had lost children in the tragedy.  Friendships frayed.  Tensions rising.  Although it is not the family's fault that their child survived and their friends' children didn't, but as a parent, how could you not be upset at them for being able to cling to their child when yours is dead?  Such a terrible event, of which these families will be facing the aftermath for years and years.  Read the entire article, here. 

I also read in a blog I follow of something her mother told her when she was struggling with her grief of loved ones lost, unexpectedly to a tragedy:

Life on this earth is hard, and the Heavenly Father knows that.  He loves us so much that He doesn't want us to stay here one single second longer than we have to.  When our time is up, He takes us home.  It's hard for the rest of us, but it's a gift of love and peace to those who die.  Just know that as long as you have a pulse, you have a purpose.  Don't take it for granted.

This will be forever burned into my soul and is such an amazing lesson to take away from such a tragedy.  I pray that some questions are able to be answered and that the families affected will be able to rebuild their lives, while grieving for their loved ones.  Prayer does wonders.  Prayer heals.  Please, pray.  Pray for the families of the victims, pray for the survivors, for the children that saw something no human should ever witness.  Pray for the community, that they may continue to band together and help rebuild around such a horrific event.  Pray for the nation, that this tragedy does not cause spontaneous reactions that will have lifelong consequences, but that leaders will make the right decisions in assisting those affected by this tragedy and to figure out where and how to help prevent this in the future, if it's even a possibility.  Pray for humankind, as a race, that we will listen to our friends and family when they reach out to us for support, help, advice, or just a shoulder to lean on - that we will take the few minutes out of our lives to listen and help in any way we can.  Pray for peace - that although their loved were ripped from their lives, that the families of those lost souls will know that their loved ones are at peace with God in His kingdom.  Pray for patience, as the nation grieves.  Pray, because it still hurts. 

Newtown, Connecticut Shooting

Today is another sad day in American history, for lack of a better word. Hmm...here are a few more: senseless, stupid, disaster, selfishness, tragedy, devastation, horrific, terrifying, unnecessary. Need I continue?

And I thought I was having a rough day this morning. Little did anyone know that 26 lives would be taken, 20 of them children under the age of 10, by a monster. For the 13th time this year, a crazed human being has successfully ruined the lives of many families.  View the detailed list here.

This morning, a 20-year-old boy took it upon himself to murder 27 people. Of those, 20 were innocent, naive children who will not be celebrating Christmas with their families. As one young man put it, "Hey you. You. The Ones that left us today. The ones that experienced the worst that humanity can do. You little angels who closed your eyes in a living Hell this morning. I'm so, so very sorry that this world didn't give you a chance. Even though you didn't even have a chance to realize how big the world is, today, the sad end of your lives affected MILLIONS of people. It's probably of little comfort to you at all, but tonight in America, Asia, Europe, Africa, Australia...everywhere...mommies are holding their kids a little tighter and a little longer. Daddies are listening to their kids and showing them more love. You twenty little souls were set free this morning, and there is nothing good that can be said about that. But because you left, and the way you were taken, millions of kids still here on earth tonight will be shown more love than any other ordinary Friday night. Your short and precious lives had a value and a purpose. Godspeed."

Couldn't have said it better myself. These families have been affected to the bone, to their very core. These families (of all the victims) will never have another traditional and joyous holiday season. These families will be reminded every year at this time of what was ripped from their lives - their loved ones. I pray with all that I am, that the loved ones of the departed are touched by God's healing hand and know that the victims are now at peace in His presence. I pray for their heartache to be lessened to allow them to breathe and to focus on rebuilding their new lives. I pray for humanity - that those who are filled with hatred and the need to place torture upon others will be placed in the path of righteousness and not harm innocent individuals. I pray that, as a nation, we support those affected this year by such tragedies. I pray for healing. I pray for guidance. I pray for God to be implemented back into our society. I pray.

None of what has happened makes sense. It almost doesn't seem real. Is this actually happening?! Yes. It is. Sadly, it is impossible to feel safe anywhere anymore, not even the movie theater or an elementary school. Sadly, there are sick individuals who seek attention and to cause pain and suffering. Sadly, it's not quite as shocking, each time a mass shooting occurs.

And really?! Small children?! I'm angry. I'm angry that the shooter was willing to take his own life and harm so many innocent human beings. I'm angry that this is becoming a norm in our society. And I'm scared. I'm scared for our future as a nation. This definitely draws my heart and soul closer and closer to God. For with Him and through Him, all things are possible. Even the healing process for those whose lives will forever be tainted with the bloodshed of their loved ones. It's possible. My heart is broken tonight, but let the healing begin. As long as it may take.