Undoubtedly, most of you have heard about the tragedy that happened early this morning in Colorado. One lone gunman killed 12 people, injured scores more and shocked a nation.
 
I don't exactly know the series of events that turned a University of Colorado med student into a mass murderer, but I do know that it can be so easy for us to get jaded by the worst elements of society that seem to always be highlighted everywhere we turn. If we allow it, this degree of social violence can make us fearful of society and totally miss God's prompting of compassion; His call to prayer. We must believe that we really can be compassionate and brave. We can be sorrowful for the loss of life and at the same time not allow it to diminish our peace, our faith in our witness and our conviction of God's power to save the lost.
 
Even more, not only are we not good enough to receive God's grace, but no one is too far gone that the grace of God cannot reach them. The tragedy that happens 2,000 miles away should not add darkness to our daily lives here. Nor should it take away from our understanding of God's constant shield of protection over our lives.
 
Please pray for the loss in the families and the community affected by this young man. Aside from a heightened sense of personal vulnerability, these senseless tragedies ultimately build up the walls of fear and distrust in individuals that the Gospel is designed to tear down so that ultimately men can trust God. Even though all of society will never be free of these walls, please pray that God will tear down those walls in your sphere of influence so that doors may open up to reach someone who is bound by this fear and loss of peace. However, in order to do so we must be delivered from it as well and be brave enough to walk through the door when God opens it in response to our prayer. He will answer your prayer.

God bless you and may the peace of Christ rule your hearts.