In the wake of recent news on the Orlando night club shooting, it is easy for one to get caught up in their own opinions of right and wrong. But no matter what your views on equal rights are, we can all agree that murder is murder, a mass shooting is an act of terror, and that the event in Orlando was a tragedy.
Greg Zanis of Chicago had the perfect reaction in response to the shooting. Instead of getting caught up in the drama of the situation over whether the situation was actually a terrorist attack or whether or not equal rights should have been legalized in the first place, he chose to show an act of love. That's right, an American showing love, not arguing over whether his views are the more correct views to hold. A man simply showing the Christian thing to do.
Zanis drove around 1,200 miles from his home in Chicago to the Orlando Regional Medical Center to set up a memorial for the fallen victims of the shooting. This memorial was made up of 49 wooden crosses. Each crosses bearing a victim's name and a red heart. Along with the crosses he brought markers so mourners of the fallen could write messages to their loved ones.
Zanis explained to reporters that he was doing this for the families of the victims. While unloading the crosses in Orlando said, "My message today is love your brother, love your neighbor. Don't judge them.” He believes that this memorial will be somewhat of a wake up call to those who see it. He says that it will help people see the severity of what happened. This is believed to be one of the largest mass shootings in US history. 49 were killed and 53 others were wounded. “It is an act of Christian love. Even though some of these people might not be Christians, I have never been turned back.”
Zanis should be an example to us all. He chose to look past everything and to just show love, something a lot of Americans seem to be lacking these days. We should learn from his act and grow through it. No matter what, it is important to love. Despite your personal or political views it is important to show others that you care. As Christians we must remember to lead in unity. We must remember that we are the example to God's people. We are the ones who can make a difference. So follow Zanis's lead and choose to love.
After all, murder is murder. Terror is terror. Love is love.
"Therefore, as God’s chosen people, holy and dearly loved, clothe yourselves with compassion, kindness, humility, gentleness and patience. Bear with each other and forgive one another if any of you has a grievance against someone. Forgive as the Lord forgave you. And over all these virtues put on love, which binds them all together in perfect unity." Colossions 3: 12-14 (NIV)
