Last night I attended a Memorial Service for three teenagers: Drake Ruiz, Jacob Ivasco, and Daniel Hawkins. They were killed by an irate driver who ran them off the road and into a tree. He was eventually arrested but the damage has been done. All that lay in the aftermath is brokenness:
Broken hearts
Broken dreams
Broken families and friends
An entire community morns the loss of these three young men and all this brokenness was caused by one Broken man.
It's hard to understand why someone would cause so much pain and suffering with no remorse and no consideration for life. It's why my theme for this week has been to stress the issue of hate, anger, and lack of concern for others. There is so much hate speech today against everyone. No-one is safe from the slandering words of someone with a grudge because "freedom of speech" has become freedom to cause hurt, harm, and even justify the death and destruction of another.
When did a disagreement, impatience, or opinion justify murder?
Why are we so callously giving death sentences as the means to solving conflict?
My heart breaks for the families and friends of Drake, Jacob, and Daniel and the teachers and students who knew them. Encouragers Counseling & Training Centers is here for you and will help anyone impacted by this crime of hate. We are providers of services through the California Victims Compensation Board which provides funding for counseling as well as other costs associated with being the victim of a crime (learn more at: https://victims.ca.gov/victims/howtoapply.aspx).
"When you pass through deep waters, I will be with you; your troubles will not overwhelm you. When you pass through fire, you will not be burned; the hard trials that come will not hurt you."
Isaiah 43:2 (GNT)
Please reach out. Hope is the best salve for a broken heart.
DAY 22: HOPE