Even though I don’t have children or grandchildren in High School; I am grieving with so many of you; unable to understand the “why” of the Highlands Ranch shooting. I don’t want to give the blanket statement of “our thoughts and prayers are with them”. Yes, we are consumed by thoughts of this school shooting and others. Yes, we are praying. However, how can we, as Christians, respond with more.
I turned to an article I found on the internet from Christianity Today in February 2018. I will paraphrase, but the full article is attached. The Billy Graham Evangelistic Association (BGEA) formed a rapid response team after 9/11 and sends disaster ministry chaplains immediately to all of these crisis events.
Two statements of the article really stood out for me. “Do we let fear and cruelty, violence and hatred win, or do we continue to fight against the darkness and continue to bring the message of hope and light that comes through Jesus Christ?” “What will be most helpful to those struggling is to meet them in their suffering by creating space for lament, providing comfort, encouraging community, and reminding others of the hope we have in Christ."
A recent television political campaign used the slogan “We can do better”. Honestly, as Christians, we have a better answer and method to bring hope and comfort. Our God, tells us in Psalms, that he heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.” I hope that we choose to look for adults, teenagers, and children in our community that are struggling with real darkness and share the light of Jesus by being their friend.
Please consider reading the whole article. If you would need someone to talk with or are seeking prayers, please contact me, anyone on the church staff, or the elders.
Grace and Peace
Susie Price, RN, FCN
Conifer Community Church
720-646-0953 (cell)
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