Friday, January 14, 2011

Tuscon--the Heartland of America

I watched the President on national television from Tuscon on Wednesday evening as he spoke to the assembled masses reeling from the tragedy which occurred over the weekend.

The stories of the victims were compelling--lives extinguished or changed. I was moved that two husbands protected their wives from the bullets--even so, one of the wives died as did one of the husbands. They truly embodied the charge of Paul to husbands in Ephesians 5:25, Husbands, love your wives just as Christ loved the church and gave himself for her. (NET Bible)  They both were willing to sacrifice themselves for their wives--no truer sign of love exists on this planet.

I was heartened by the stories of the heroes--those who ran towards the bullets and the shooter to subdue him, rather than away to safety. Those willing, without time to examine the consequences, to do what was necessary to protect others--they have true giving spirits.

The people were gathered on Saturday doing something guaranteed by our Constitution--assembling peacefully in public.  The shooter was striking at one of the very freedoms so many other heroes have given their lives to obtain and protect since 1776.

I admit--as I observed the proceedings, I was shocked by the celebration-like atmosphere instead of the more mournful tribute I had expected. I had expected tears and platitudes and eulogies. In reflecting on the event, though, I see how this was a celebration of life, of heroes, and more importantly the American spirit. We are strongest when we are united--and it seems we become united in the face of tragic adversity.

Continue to pray for everyone associated with this tragedy--

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