A Public Service Rant

Yesterday's shooting was senseless. I'm absolutely convinced that it was evil. It was an attack by Satan, no doubt.

I don't see this in anyway part of God's plan. I don't buy into the "everything happens for a reason" bull unless you count reasons such as, "I'm an inconsiderate prick" or "my stupidity and hatred knows no bounds." Other than that, I refuse to believe this was in any way part of "God's plan."

And I understand everyone's need to "make sense" of this. And to tell themselves that, "If this were happening... then this wouldn't have happened." Jesus and gun control seem to be the most popular of these.

And I agree with some and disagree with some. And if you want my personal opinion, just ask. Lord knows, I'm not afraid to tell it.

But since yesterday, I have seen the following picture WAY. TOO. MUCH.



No this isn't ironic. This is false.

And I have had enough of seeing it.

The Bible is not prohibited in schools. It is prohibited from being read to class by teachers during class. But if a student wants to read the Bible during breaks in class, before school, after school, during lunch...whatever... yeah, that's still allowed.

And did you know, students still pray at school? Yeah. That happens. And there aren't any Bible police coming through and thumping them on the heads for it. Nay... it is encouraged.

And did you know, there are teachers who sponsor after school Bible studies... and they aren't doing it underground.

And there are still lots and lots of student organizations, with teacher advisors, that are centered around the one and only Jesus Christ?

Administratively led prayer and Bible time...that is what is prohibited. Not the Bible. Not prayer. Knock it off.

And... this picture that seems so popular... are you trying to get me to believe that they are putting a Bible in each and every convict's hands as they come in the door? Are they being forced to go to Bible study? Are the wardens shoving the word of God down their throats?

No. It is the exact same set up as we have in the public school systems. If they want to read the Bible, they can. If they want to pray, they can. That's it.

This picture and everything it stands for is a joke. Please think about what you are reposting.

And finally, this brings me to my last soapbox portion of this post... love.

Because it is frustrating to watch people miss the point completely. Again.

Love people. Truly love them.

This quote really hit home to me yesterday.

"In times like this, I want to ask God, why aren't you stopping the hatred and violence in the world. But I'm afraid He might ask me the same question."

If you see someone hurting. Stop and comfort them. Offer to pray with them. And if they decline, they can't stop you from praying for them when they are gone.

If you know of someone going through a hard time, do something for them.

If you know of someone who is struggling to make ends meet, pay for something for them.

If you are troubled by the amount of abortions happening in the world, adopt a child.

If you are troubled by the amount of hungry people in the world, do something to feed them.

If someone seems lonely, be a companion for them. Invite them somewhere. Let them know you care.

It is so simple. And we keep missing the point.

The biggest tool you have in your arsenal to fight evil is love. Unconditional love. Love that knows no bounds.

And remember, this is a battle. A battle. Which means bad things are going to happen. We have to know that. But we don't have to just sit back and accept it.

We can actively show love every. single. day. And every time you show someone love, you are combating the evil.

One person can't do it all. But every person can do something. Each small act of kindness we do has a lasting effect on the world. And if you get enough of them going at once, we will be unstoppable.

And if all of us who are outraged, hurt, confused, and grieving... if we all go out and love like we should be every day... we will see some profound change in the world. That, my friends, is the answer.