This is a difficult post to write but I feel a burden in my heart to say something…to share my thoughts and understanding. I share in the anger and hurt for the people in Lansing and the families beyond that are affected. So much hate exists and that hate leads to confusion and anger. Some believe that a loving God should have stopped this. And I do not necessarily disagree. I wish that he had. But as I sit and think of this situation, which of course is not the first circumstance, I find myself looking to man. God did not create us to be His slaves. He created us with free will. A will that we are responsible for, a will that we must choose love over hate. I know it is hard to understand at times. I have blamed God in the past. I blamed Him for the loss of my baby. I blamed Him for the loss of my dad. But I have come to understand that we are not meant to understand everything. God has a purpose in all that He does. Last nights occurence is the result of a man consumed with an evil intent. That man created chaos, pain and death in other people’s lives and then took his own life in a cowardly way to avoid justice. But he will not escape judgement. He had a choice to love. He rejected that option.

People, we as a whole are losing our way. From where I sit I see us hating more and more everyday. Many are choosing to avoid the thought of life beyond this world and are not fearing what could come of us. Perhaps if that shooter had realized that the consequences for his actions were much more severe than a prison sentence or death he would have reconsidered his heinous actions. God is loving but He is also a just judge. That shooter set his fate for eternity.

As I was trying to understand all of this hate and as I was trying to understand why God didn’t stop this I came across the two verses in His word. The first reminds us that WE MUST CHOOSE LOVE not hate. That we must serve one another not hurt one another. Is that too much to ask of mankind? The second reminds us that God will provide judgement and that it is more severe and serious than any form of justice man can provide. (See the attached image)

My daughter was working last night not far from the campus in Eastern Lansing. As a manager at her place of work she jumped into action and locked down the building asking staff and customers to stay. I am so thankful that the violence did not get that far and that my daughter is safe.

Folks we have to do better together. We have to be loving and caring at all times. Every bit of hate affects this disturbing trend. What message does it send when you bash someone for selling something on Facebook, or mock a person publicly for their appearance, or criticize someone for their opinion? What message does it send when you disagree with your neighbor and stay in conflict, or flip off another driver on the road? We have to understand that the smallest amounts of hate create a “normal” that is horrible for everyone and disappointing to God. And trust me I am guilty for contributing to this trend. Forgive, have empathy, show care and proclaim love in all you do. Trust that God’s grace will shine through you as an example to others and for your own peace of mind.

Heavenly Father, I come to you in sadness and despair. Please provide comfort to the families that lost loved ones last night due to this despicable act of hate. Please lay your healing hands on those injured. Lord we thank you for your gift of free will but often are confused by those that would use that gift for evil. We pray that your presence be seen and felt by all and that all may choose love. Lord help us to be better. In Jesus’ name Amen

I know some will be angered or strongly disagree with me. It is not my intent to upset anyone. I truly am finding some peace and understanding through my walk with God. He loves us all, please believe that. And as I have said before do not take my word for it. I did not take anyones word for it. I heard their words and I set out on a journey for myself to seek understanding and truth to their words. The answers are available to you if you just take the time.

God bless you all. I am so sorry for the victims and their families.