By this time, thousands upon thousands of opinion-filled articles have been published in light of the recent horrors that our ever-wandering country has faced. Different perspectives in different lights.
Switchfoot recently released a new album titled "Where the Light Shines Through," and it seems as though there has never been a timelier message to the world. This album exposes the reality of pain and sorrow but shares the hope and joy found through Christ, which is exactly what the world needs. The title track sings,
"The wound is where the light shines through…..Ain’t we all just Abraham’s son? Saint and sinner with the song and drum, and we're fallen on our knees, we all bleed the same. And the only tattoos I have are scars I got your name written on my heart and the story that brought us here ain't the thing that changed, no.”
Most people know the stories and the damage that have ensued the past few days. Death upon death upon death. Lives of innocent people have been lost to hatred, carelessness to the value of life and darkened hearts. Police officers that have willingly risked their lives every day to protect ours have now lost theirs because of a vengeful heart.
Why, oh why, must we be blind to the cause of these horror-filled events? This is not a social problem. This is not a gun policy problem. This is not a government problem. This is not a racial problem. This is purely a sin problem -- and the only solution is Jesus.
Hurting people, hurt people.
My broken heart asks earnestly how these gruesome, physical and emotional wounds that have swallowed these cities could be used for good. Honestly, there is nothing good about these unlawful shootings. But the Lord redeems and uses everything for good, even when the circumstances are not good. I know those words seem overstated and that they are the last things people want to hear.
People are changed by devastation. I have to believe that there is a reason for this pain. If nothing else, just to show the beauty of God’s unfailing love and affection, His character that is unprejudiced, or to show a moral standard of equality and mutual respect.
I cannot stand here and say I understand the pain and confusion of the wives, mothers, fathers, daughters, sons and friends. I don’t. To lose someone you love, especially to a shooter, would bring indescribable hurt. My condolences to the families of the injured and killed.
The community is where the light shines through. Forgiveness is where the light shines through. Compassion is where the light shines through. Laughter is where the light shines through. Newfound grace will become where the light shines through. Love and burdens shared is where the light shines through. Christ is where the light shines through.
