Peace, Peace, Peace

So it seems like lately there has been a lot of tragedy both near and far.

Last Saturday, 4 houses down from us, a 29 year old was stabbed and killed in their front yard. His attacker who was also injured from the fight, tried to flee the scene subsequently leaving his blood trail on the sidewalk in front of our house.

I was getting ready for church and Brandon came home and told me someone had been murdered close to us. There are so many emotions that you feel when you hear the word “murder” associated with your neighborhood. It hits even closer when you realize that it was just a few houses down from you. Instantly you wonder if it was targeted or spontaneous. And if it was the latter, then are you and your family safe?

Secondly, I had instant goose bumps because I couldn’t sleep that night. Living on a busy street, it’s not uncommon to hear ambulance sirens. But this night was different. I could hear cop cars zooming by. And I also heard a voice (I believe it was a woman’s voice) screaming “no, no, no, no” in between sobs. Again, it’s not uncommon to hear people screaming, fighting, music playing etc. A lot of houses nearby us are rented by young college aged kids. Some stumble home drunk from Cactus Jacks, some have house parties....and with that comes noise.  Of course now that I know the circumstances, it gives me chills. It’s like putting the puzzle together and realizing it was probably a young woman looking at this man and realizing he might not have a fighting chance to life.

The day after I took Elijah on a walk to get some air and clear my mind, and just one block away from the murder scene was a family who had set up a lemonade stand selling to those walking by. What a complete shift.  Death vs. Life.

Of course, on a much bigger scale and geographically  far away, the shooting in Colorado was horrific and heart breaking. People were innocently sitting in the theatre watching Batman, and in an instant everything was taken away. It’s hard to believe how heartless/disturbed someone can be to follow through with a mass murder like that.

Anyways, just had to blog about these things as they have weighed pretty heavy on my mind recently. 

But the darkness only makes my hero (my Lord and Saviour) shine brighter...paraphrase of Lecrae’s Tweet. =)

Philippians 4:6-7  do not be anxious about anything, but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known to God. And the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus.

Isaiah 9:6 For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.

Colossians 3:15 And let the peace of Christ rule in your hearts, to which indeed you were called in one body. And be thankful.