A Scrambled Mind Today

Today is tough. I've got my Bible open and I'm trying to read, but sometimes all I see are words. That's not right. There is a meaning here. Last night, Limon police officer Jay Sheridan was killed in the line of duty. That cuts deep. First of all, things like that are not supposed to happen in Limon. They're not supposed to happen anywhere, but it is the type of news we'd expect to hear in Detroit, Chicago, New York, and, perhaps even Denver. It shouldn't happen in Limon. That peaceful little village was rocked by a devastating tornado years ago. They rebuilt from that and they will rebuild from this horrible tragedy. But the tragedy goes even deeper. I know the family. I know the in-laws particularly well. They have been my friends throughout life. Now what kind of words can I offer than can help in this situation? There are the cliches--"if you need anything, let us know"; "what can we do for you?". Everyone is sincere when they say those things, but it sounds so cold. I want to be able to do something, so I am. I'm dedicating this blog to the Sheridan and Pfeiff families. Their lives must go on. They have to find a way to cope. I think of the new Rascal Flatt's song that could easily be played on Christian stations: "I will stand by you, I will help you through, when you've done all you can do and you can't cope; I will dry your eyes, I will fight your fight, I will hold you close and I won't let go." That sounds so much like God talking here. Yes, we can question God, we can wonder "why?" But isn't it in these situations that God is testing us for all we have? He knows where the rapists and murderers stand, but doesn't He want to see where we stand as Christians, to do things "For His name's sake?" Two scripture verses jumped out at me this morning: "I write to you, little children, Because you have known the Father. I have written to you, young men, Because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have overcome the wicked one." And the other verse: "Be still and know that I am God." May God bless you, Tim and Penny, Heather and Firecracker, and all the rest of your family. Please know that we are here for you in whatever way you need us! We love you.