I am sitting here at my desk staring at my monitors, reading reports about the bombing in Manchester, England last night. I am lost in thought.
- I am thinking about the 22 now reported as dying. Many of them children less than 18 years old.
- I am thinking about their families.
- I am thinking about the approximately 60 other victims injured by shrapnel or in the panicked flight to safety.
- I am thinking about the first responders and the emotions that they are going through.
- I am thinking about the people of Manchester that quickly opened doors to those seeking safety.
- I am thinking about the reports of Islamic State websites celebrating the bombing, while not taking credit. (I just saw a news report from the BBC that ISIS is now claiming responsibility – 8:30 a.m. CST)
- I am thinking about the 23 year-old arrested in connection with the bombing.
- I am thinking about how destructive hate is.
- I am wondering why things like this happen.
- I am imagining how saddened God must be at His creation.
I want to take the high road. I want to always demonstrate love. As I sit here and think, I think I will stop to pray. I will pray for the victims and their families. I will pray for the people of Manchester and her leaders. I will pray for the first responders. I will pray for the enemies of freedom, including those responsible for this attack and those celebrating it. I will pray that I can show love to my neighbor no matter his/her religion, political leanings, or ethnicity. I pray that I have the courage and strength to get off my knees and do more than pray, that I will find opportunities to help where I can and reach those near me with love.
-Scott
Scott, you may recall the name Rodney King. He was the black man that was dragged from his truck a number of years ago out in California and beaten. It was on all the national network news channels. I can’t help but recall his words to those who later interviewed him as he said, ” Why can’t we all just get along with one another?” As you noted, we may not have the same likes and dislikes, but let’s pray for the desire to get along in society. People are hurting and that should make us want to try and relieve their hurt. As Christians, sometimes, prayer is our only means of doing that.
We sure enjoy your daily thoughts……(keep it up)…
Larry,
Thank you for reading and commenting. I remember Rodney King. I had forgotten about that comment until recently when I watch a special in the LA Riots.
We do need to learn to get along.
Scott Sent from my iPhone
>