My heart is aching for the families and friends of those whose loved ones were violently taken away in yesterday’s shootings. Tears have rolled down my face countless times since yesterday as I’ve watched the images on the news and heard stories of heroism. While listening to the story of how, professor and Holocaust survivor, Liviu Librescu gave his life for the sake of his students, I seized the opportunity to teach my son the value of heroism and bravery. Jesus said, “Greater love has no man than this that he lay down his life for his friend.” This man exemplified the greatest love by laying down his own life for the sake of his students. I explained to my son that the reason we are now teaching him to put others first is so that he will be able to respond likewise if he were ever in a similar situation. With tears rolling down my face, I challenged my son to always think of others before himself, and to be courageous and brave in the midst of great adversity, just like God instructed Joshua to do in the verses he copied yesterday morning. He responded by wrapping his arms around me. I can’t imagine losing him! But to know that he had given his life to save another…..I told him, “If you die, you will go to heaven with Jesus, but there may be others who have not accepted Christ and for their sakes you must be willing to die that they may come to know Him as their Lord and Savior as well.” My prayer is that those who have survived would be overwhelmed by the grace and mercy of God; that they would come to know Jesus as Lord and Savior, and dedicate their lives to serving him. As I continued to watch the news this evening, my heart’s cry became, “Lord, be glorified in this tragedy. Reveal yourself, reveal your glory. ”
I continue to pray for the families and friends, and all who were affected. I’m also praying for the Christians who are near to be bold in sharing the only Truth that can be of any comfort in times like these. I especially pray for my sister-in-law who has joined the VT Campus Crusade staff in ministering to the students and faculty. May God be glorified in you and through you, Kim, and may many come to know Him through the love that He has poured out in you! As I was tucking in ED tonight, I prayed for you and then explained to her that you were helping the students. She asked if Uncle Rick was helping too and I said, “No, he’s working and learning how to be a doctor,” to which she replied, “Aunt Kim is learning love.” What a precious word from the lips of a faith-filled four year old! Yes, Aunt Kim is learning love as we all are learning love. May we seize the opportunity to share this perfect love with the people around us!
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