A few weeks ago, something tragic happened in the city of Orlando. By now, you've already heard multiple stories and read about different witnesses, testimonies, and theories. The past few weeks, the city of Orlando has been mourning the loss of lives taken that night. I've never seen Orange Avenue so quiet and eerie. I remember walking down the street towards the memorial. Rainbow flags and signs that read "Orlando Strong" were quietly waving in the wind as the clouds started getting darker and rain started to drizzle.
I stood there and looked at all of the flowers and signs people made and looked at all the people around me. Just when I thought my heart hurt so much for this city and it felt like that feeling would never go away, I remembered those are the times we need prayer the most. So that's what I did.
This city is powerful. This city is strong. The city is full of people from different cultures, countries, and ethnicities. As Jimmy Fallon put it, "When I think of Orlando, I think of nothing but fun and joy and families." When I looked around me, I didn't see Orlando. I saw broken people and hurt families dealing with and mourning from the tragic loss of loved ones.
There was something else Jimmy Fallon said, though. "If anyone can do it, you can. Keep loving each other. Keep respecting each other. And keep on dancing." So that's what I prayed for. I prayed for a revival. I prayed for grace. I prayed for strength and comfort for the city of Orlando. Although God doesn't inflict pain or cause sin in the world, when tragedy strikes, He never fails to prove His sovereignty.
What did Orlando do? They kept on dancing.
In a world full of hate, Orlando proves that "love conquers all." And not just love here on Earth, but this is such a beautiful picture of God's love for us, too. It may seem kind of strange but hear me out.
Yes, we all know what God says about gay marriage. It's wrong. It's a sin. It's not in God's plan. BUT... How could you forget that the most important thing God wants us to realize is that we are ALL broken sinners in need of grace? Did you forget we are called to love everyone just as Christ loves us?
In a world full of hate, we are called to show compassion and unity. This is a chance to show the world that we aren't scared. When we fall, we pick each other back up. We are not defeated. We are not in an eternal state of mourning. We are God's creation and we are Orlando.
"49 beautiful souls were taken at Pulse, but their spirit dances on in all of us. Let’s cherish their memory and celebrate their lives by dancing in their honor. Let’s show the world that love conquers all–that joy and happiness can’t be stopped. Now more than ever before, Orlando is The City Beautiful. We will recover. We will grow stronger. We will keep dancing." #KeepDancingOrlando
