Be Encouraged

I wasn’t sure what was appropriate to say at a time like this, when our country mourns over the tragedy that occurred in Connecticut.  Some bloggers opted for a moment of silence, but I felt like something needed to be said. People are hurting and people are afraid.

After getting over the initial shock and horror that innocent children were brutally taken away from their parents, I began to wonder why.  Is it gun control? Is it bad parenting? Is it video games? Is it the media that drives people into believing behavior like this is the norm and acceptable?  It is untreated mental disabilities? I believe the answer can be found in an intricate web that weaves in all of these issues.   My purpose it this post is not to start a lengthy debate about who’s right and what really went wrong.  You can see enough of that on the news.  Just remember that you don’t have to watch every CNN report, and read every online update.  It’s okay to pull away from the media circus.  It reminds me of the 9/11 news coverage . Eventually, I just had to turn the channel when it came on.

I wanted to remind everyone to stay encouraged.  I have to admit, I was wondering “God, why does stuff like this have to happen?”  On Sunday, the pastor reminded us that we each have free will.  God is not a dictator.  He does not force any of us to behave in a certain way.  I’m sure you can think about something that you have done, and you know God had no part in it. God has control when we invite him in.

So we have to realize that unfortunately hurting people hurt people.  This is a reminder to let God’s light shine in our lives, and hope that it will encourage others to do the same.  My heart goes out to everyone who was affected by this tragedy.  We often feel helpless in situations like this.  But, you don’t have to feel helpless.  You can do something to help someone else in need. (Write an inspiring blog post, volunteer, serve dinner at a homeless shelter) Sometimes you have to give away the very thing you need most.  I needed encouragement, so I wrote this post in the hopes that it would encourage my readers during such a difficult time.  Be encouraged and go encourage someone else…