Yesterday was an interesting day. I got up early to go speak at a local church. A men’s group meets one Saturday each month for breakfast. Men from different area churches getting together. It was pretty awesome. Then I met up with a local veteran. He filled in at the last moment for us to set up our booth at an annual car show. After that, Barbara and I went out to our new property to spend some time together. It’s so peaceful out there. While we were there, our daughter and new son-in-law called us from their cruise. They’re having an awesome time and we are so happy for them. After we headed home, our oldest granddaughter called to tell us she thought her volleyball tryouts went well. We look forward to watching her play in the upcoming season. Then as we continued home…the news broke.
President Trump had just begun speaking at a campaign rally in Pennsylvania. Shots rang out. Trump had been hit in his tight right ear. Within seconds, the Secret Service surrounded him on stage and their sniper team took out the shooter. It was over before everyone really knew what happened. Trump will be fine. But, 2 others were critically injured. And another lost their life. Such a terrible story. As disturbing as it was, what followed is troubling to me as well. Although I shouldn’t be surprised, I still find myself having a hard time believing what I am seeing. Once again, the Facebook keyboard warriors sprang into action. Some saying it was staged. Others arguing about comparing it to school shootings. And one guy even guy going as far as saying he wished the shooter had been a better shot. What? What’s even more unfortunate about this guy, it appears that he is a retired judge.
I know there is division in this country. A divide that I’m not sure we can bridge on our own. I know that there is hate in this country. Probably so much that we can’t overcome it on our own. I know that there is evil in this country. More than we can battle back on our own. Yesterday’s events, and what has followed, are all the proof we need. But if you reread what I began with, you’ll also see that there is still good. There is still joy. There is still happiness. And there is still hope. The hope that comes from Jesus. Only he can provide the hope I am talking about. Only he can provide the peace that we need. And I believe that the only way we’re going to get past where we are in this country, and in this world, is by his grace. So today, take time to go to our Lord and Savior, and ask him to work on the hearts of people. Take time today to ask him to work on your heart. Take time today to pray over those that are suffering from yesterday. Including the family of the shooter.
