If you follow along on Instagram, you’ll have seen this picture today that I reposted from Marquis’ feed. It seems like sometimes when it rains it pours and that often when you’re having a difficult time grappling with one thing, something else just gets piled on top. In the early morning on Tuesday, after a string of car break-ins in our neighborhood, one of our neighbors was shot & killed in his own driveway. He was just 33, a husband, father of 2, and an Iraqi war veteran (Army), and a hard-working businessman who was simply headed to the gym before work. His name was Mike.
I didn’t know Mike or his family, but my heart breaks for them. We live in a safe neighborhood in a safe city, but yet here we are. All the details surrounding what happened are not out yet, however of what we know it draws me to question so much. To be fearful. To grieve. To worry. With all the similarities, it makes me think of my brother. It makes me think of our own little family. And makes me want to cry out “why?” Why would such a think occur to someone so innocent? In a safe place? Is there such a thing as “safe” anymore? I fear as long as people continue to live in the illusion that they are entitled to what they want, regardless of deserving it or not, it may not. As a country we are struggling with issues of race, of envy, jealousy, laziness, entitlement, and crimes of opportunity. While I’m unsure the political and social “answers” to these issues, one thing I know is that now more than ever it is imperative to cling to the One who comforts in time of need. The One who seeks to redeem us and make us new. And the One who loves us despite our imperfections, our mistakes, and our doubts.
Needed this yesterday as our neighborhood tries to grasp what happened to a beloved husband, father, & veteran. Balancing the line of fear and vigilance is tough. Prayer for a grieving family and community is tough. And learning that moving forward will launch us to face even more obstacles is tough. But thankfully we are not alone, for He is beside us even in our fears. #PrayersForTheGilottiFamily #LakeCyrusStrong
Though the mountains be shaken and the hills be removed, yet my unfailing love for you will not be shaken nor my covenant of peace be removed says the Lord, who has compassion on you. -Isaiah 54:10 What mountains are shaking in your life today? Fear, anxiety, regret, anger… the list can pile up. Everything may feel like it’s crumbling and you might be grasping for solid ground, but the Lord is not shaken. He is near. He cares. He hears you and He is holding you. He will not crumble and His love for you will not fall. He is our rock and comfort. Press into Him today for the large things and small things in your life. He deeply loves you.
