After the Orlando shooting that killed 49 people, it seems heartless to say nothing but finding words that comfort, unite, and express compassion seems impossible given the current state of our country. When a nation is sharply divided, when evil wins a battle (but evil
cannot and will not win the war, for that war has already been won),
and/or when leaders and the media incite hatred, bigotry, anger, and
bitterness, objectivity is suppressed and bias colors everything. No
matter what words are spoken, what tone is employed, or what data is
presented, the receiver of that information will interpret it based upon
his/her own bias. That information then becomes ammunition, and
in this information age, the abundance of "info ammo" (as I call it)
has filled almost every heart and home to overflowing and fortified the
walls that divide us. We know that no productive communication,
relationship building, legislation, or positive change happens when
people are hurt, angry, and/or stockpiling or launching their info ammo.
So, at a
time when our nation is grieving over a senseless tragedy, confused
over what it means to truly love or to hate, outraged by evil, angry at
everyone and everything, distracted by political exploitation when
empathy is needed, and frustrated by a failure, refusal, or inability to
name and confront the real enemy, it is hard to come up with words that
will promote unity or express heartfelt compassion, love for all
people, and encouragement without those words being interpreted to mean
something else by the varying perceptions of others. So when words
fail, perhaps a recent cell phone picture of that which is beautiful and comforting no
matter how you look at it will help.
When I don't know what to
say or do to help, I go to my favorite thinking/praying spot to watch
the sun fall beneath the horizon. The setting sun has never disappointed
me or stood me up. It is beautiful from every angle and in any kind of
weather. Even during the darkest days, the warm bright beams peak
through the clouds to let me know that the One who created the sun and
the earth, the same One who first caused the earth to spin about its
axis and set the earth into orbit around the sun at just the right
distance to sustain and maintain life, is present. He sees and weeps
with those who weep. He is good and loving. Each person in our lives
will eventually let us down, but the sunset is as constant and faithful
as the one who established it's cycle. Great is His faithfulness! The
sun will come up tomorrow. There is always hope for tomorrow, especially
for those who choose the One who came to make all things new.
(Lamentations 3:22-24)
Addendum:
We know we should tread carefully when people are angry or grieving because too often, hurt people hurt other people. However, as author Robin Jones Gunn reminded me tonight, HEALED
PEOPLE HEAL OTHERS. How many of us have experienced some form of
healing, be it physical, emotional, and/or spiritual? Then as healed
and redeemed people, let us focus our energy on helping others heal. Call the Great Physician on behalf of the hurting. He even makes house calls. I think I hear Him knocking now.
"I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears my voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and eat with him, and he with me." - Revelations 3:20
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