Do you remember the ease of your childhood? Your biggest worry was which team would pick you in dodgeball, or setting the VCR to record your favorite cartoons. It was a simple time.
When 9/11 happened things started to change. Childhood was still carefree for the most part but parents weren’t as lenient as they had been. Trust was lost. It wasn’t our fault yet we saw the punishments.
16 years later and the state of this country is sickening. It’s not just the big cities anymore. No one is safe. Yesterday a mass shooting took place right up the road from me in the tiny town of Sutherland Springs, Texas. This is where I started Awanas as a child, I have memories there. Again, trust is lost. As Christians we know we can’t live in fear, God is bigger than this world. Yet, I’m terrified. Will my children get to experience the joys of life, or will they be punished by the ugliness around them?
Today my heart hurts. Today I’m questioning every upcoming event that I will take part in. I hate it! I know that’s why these kind of tragedies happen, to instill fear. Fear eats at your freedom little by little until eventually your a prisoner of whatever it is that you’ve allowed to take over. And, it’s easy to let that happen. But, I urge you not to.
Live life! Let your kids be kids. Go to that concert, go to church, go to the mall. Be vigilant, be aware, and most importantly trust God. We’re only here for a little while after all.
-Ashton
Lord, I pray for those affected by yesterday’s shooting. Be with the families, the children, and the friends. I pray that you help them keep faith. Make yourself known to those that seek hurting others. Soften their hearts so that they may find peace in you. Lord, help me be a light to others. Help me be an example so they can find hope in you. And Lord, protect my children from the chaos of this world. Amen.
theoutdatedwayoflife 