This morning the world morns the loss of 14 innocent lives taken unexpectantly yesterday in a San Bernardino shooting.
This incident hits close to home for two close friends and colleagues; one works at the Inland Regional Center, and another lives in the same complex as the murderers and their family. One must now face the family members of the assailants, and the other must face the families and friends of the deceased and wounded. Both are morning the situation. Both are praying for peace.
News reporters and media outlets all have some perspective of the “senseless” killings which some are calling, “workplace violence” or “terrorism.” But the one article that got my attention had the heading, “They came prepared.” Every Wednesday, I meet with women seeking to learn more about relationships and how to improve them. Last night we met and held each other as some cried, prayed together for the families of the lost, and embraced sadness together. We talked for an hour about salvation and if everyone knew where they were going after they died. Most have a strong faith that they belong to Jesus and will end up in Heaven. “They are prepared” if this situation happened to them. For a life to be taken up in an instant, at any moment, even at a company Christmas party, the reality of this happening again is becoming more and more common in America.
The truth of the matter is we live in a violent world where no one is completely safe anymore. America has enjoyed a false sense of security for a very long time, but now the wolf is at our door and the door will not hold him back. So, I ask you, are you prepared? Do you know where you will go after you die? Have your prepared yourself for the necessity for an “exit strategy.” I pray you have considered your eternal life and future. Jeremiah 29:11 says,
“For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.”
Everyone here at Encouragers is available to help you process through the losses of this life, some taken by gunfire, some taken through choice (divorce, abandonment, grief). Let us help you in a time of sadness to find hope and a future.