Peace in Times of Turmoil

Our hearts were all shattered last week as we heard of the horrifying tragedy in Connecticut. I’ve put off writing about it for days, because what can you possibly say after something so heinous? My heart hurts for the families of the victims as well as for the family of the perpetrator. What incredible pain they must feel knowing that someone they loved could commit such an unspeakable atrocity!

 

Life can be tough. No. That’s an extreme understatement. Life can be downright gutwrenching at times. What’s a person to do? 

 

Without the bitter times, there can be no sweet. Without darkness, we won’t recognize the light. When life hurts, we have a choice to make. We can let it rob us of all hope and joy or we can seek meaning in life. I recently heard an interview with a victim from the Virginia Tech shooting. Even though she suffered multiple gun shot wounds, she lives today with a passion like never before. She said that she’s learned not to take anything or anyone for granted.

 

I mailed off my Christmas cards a couple of weeks ago, and was surprised when one was returned to me with the word “Deceased” written across the address. Life is short. We have to learn to live in the good and in the bad.

 

 Larry Crabb, said, “Living
well in suffering trumps living happily without suffering”  Larry Crabb, Christian Counseling Today Vol19
No 2. I don’t know about you, but I want to live well — in all circumstances.  We may not be relieved from suffering, but we can walk through these times with integrity.

 

So, join me in prayer that God will bring peace and healing to all those affected by the shooting in Connecticut. I also pray that each of you will experience the peace that surpasses understanding this Christmas season.