I’m not sure what to write, reader friends.
I’d already been struggling to come up with a blog for this week (as evidenced by my lack of usual Wednesday post yesterday), as my mind has been rather occupied with matters other than writing of late…more on that soon.
But now in light of the horrific shooting last night in Charleston, South Carolina…for all I’ve written about racial reconciliation and hope and such, I truly don’t know what to say.
Sometimes life in this broken world just breaks our hearts.
I know we are not without hope. I know those African-American brothers and sisters killed last night are not really dead—they are alive and well and rejoicing in the presence of their Savior (although, honestly, I hadn’t really thought about that till right now—talk about missing something important!). I know progress towards reconciliation and healing and understanding is happening, bit by bit and in some places. I know Jesus told us in this world we would have tribulation, but He has overcome the world. I also know I cannot fully understand nor appreciate the heartache and pain and anger the African-American community is going through right now, even though I have at least two African-American friends with family and/or friends in that region.
And I don’t know of anything to do or say to make it better.
But I know the Lord wants us to weep with those who weep. And I know He is weeping too. And that He promises to bind up the brokenhearted, and to someday wipe away all tears.
So tonight I just want to pray, and ask you to pray with me. Because when there are no words…we can still go to Jesus.
I pray that we as the Body of Christ can join together to support our brothers and sisters in Charleston. And I ask, Lord Jesus, that you would wrap Your wounded arms around those who are hurting so badly tonight, and comfort them and let them find comfort in Your own suffering. And that You would somehow bring good out of this, as You can out of the most horrific things this world can spew forth. That You would bring conviction and repentance to this young man, and keep others from committing such crimes. That You, O God, would bring healing to our land.
In the Name of Jesus, Amen.
P.S. I just discovered this article online…while I don’t know what Dylann Roof’s response to Marcus Stanley (and the Lord) will be, it is a reminder to me that the love of Jesus truly is stronger than man’s hate. As are the forgiving responses of many of the victims’ families…truly a supernatural grace.
Thank you, Kiersti, for your call to pray. I have joined you in intercession, and I do believe calling the name “Jesus!” is more than sufficient when words seem to escape us.
That is such a good point, Sandra…thank You, friend. So thankful we can call on Jesus’s name.