An Unwavering Spirit

There are a lot of things I see on the news and Internet, bad things happening that I am powerless to stop. People with opinions different from mine, blind to doing the right thing. And I think, my words of anger will not solve anything. So I stop, calm myself, and pray for their souls. In a lot of situations, that is a very good idea. But there are times to speak up and give a voice to matters that need brought to attention. The power of prayer should never be underestimated.

I'm sure a lot of you have heard of the attempted assassination of U.S. Rep. Gabrielle Giffords that almost took her life and killed six other people. It doesn't matter what party she belongs to or what political views she has, there is nothing that could ever defend attempting to take her life. I'm calling for prayers for her recovery, her family, and the families of the six victims killed that day. Innocent human beings, and fellow citizens of our country.

What is more distressing lately about this situation are the actions of Fred Phelps and his Westboro Baptist Church. I do not like calling it a baptist church because our Lord should not be associated with a hate group. They have made a name for themselves for protesting the funerals of soldiers, victims of AIDS, and homosexuals. They also claim that the shooter was sent by God, and plan to protest at the funeral of a nine year old girl killed during the shooting. I just can't comprehend the hate it takes to say and do such things. I wasn't raised that way, and the day I truly accepted Jesus, my heart wasn't designed that way. The fact that they believe they are Christians doing God's work both angers and saddens me. Their hateful message harms God's work as if they denied Him altogether. The way they interpret hate from the message of love throughout the Bible convinces me that they do not know Jesus, and therefore deny Him with every picket sign.

That is why prayers are desperately needed for everyone involved. The true message of our Lord, love and compassion needs to be shown with the unwavering dedication found inside our hearts. Only the Holy Spirit has a chance to battle hate and drive it from a soul. I ask that every one of you reading this to pray for everyone involved in this tragic situation, and that it be resolved in a peaceful manner. Too much violence and hate has already suffocated the Arizona community. It is our duty to come together and breathe the life back in.