As I write this letter, the news is filled with the shooting in Aurora, Colorado. The initial shock has passed and we are now hearing about the aftermath. The many funerals, the updates on those who were wounded and the personal stories of the victims. The news reporters also seem to be looking for a religious take on the tragedy. Columns keep appearing with the titles Where Was God in Aurora?
News stations have been lining up pastors from different faiths to answer the question. Pastors (maybe upset that they were not asked to speak) have been writing commentaries trying to answer the question. So, although, I may not be published in a high profile news report; I thought maybe the readers of the Maidencreek Newsletter would like to hear what I have to say on the subject.
I believe that we were created to love each other and live in harmony, while loving God. However, God does not force us to love. That love has to come from our own thoughts and beliefs. The closer we come to God, the more loving we act. The more removed we are from God, the less loving we are of others. But, no matter how far estranged we are from God and how bad our acts might be, I do believe that God has enough love to want us back.
So, where was God during the shooting? God was there in the midst of everyone. God was on the floor holding and comforting those who were hurting and those who were scared. God was with the first responders giving them strength and courage to walk into the room. God was with all the medical personnel holding their hands as they worked on victim after victim. God was crying and grieving with all the families as they heard the news about their loved ones. And I do believe that God was forgiving Holmes and trying to love him and bring him back into a relationship with God.
We cannot explain why some people do such horrific acts. We cannot explain why there are shootings, murders, or other violent acts (what some call evil) in our midst. I do not believe that this is what God wants or that God destines it to happen. But as humans we have free will and when our relationship with God deteriorates other priorities enter into our lives. As these self serving priorities start to dominate our lives, our relationship with God declines. There comes a time when God’s love is blocked and there is no love left in a persons life.
I will continue to keep all the victims in my prayers and that includes Holmes. Although he may not know it, God continues to love him just as God loves each of us.
Where was God during the tragedy? God was there in the midst of it. Providing what only God can------continuing LOVE for all.
