"Are you a Christian?"

By now, you have probably heard about the horrific shooting that occurred at Umpqua Community College in Roseburg, Oregon on Thursday, October 1. There, at about 10:30 am, a gunman began shooting people in a classroom. Some were asked what their religion was beforehand. Those who answered "Christian" were shot in the head. Those who said something else, or nothing at all, were shot somewhere else, usually in the legs (according to the sister of a witness).

"Are you a Christian?"

This question determined life or death for students at Umqua.

It also has a much deeper meaning for the rest of us. Do we have the strength, the courage, the conviction, the FAITH to answer that question truthfully, should the situation arise in our own lives?

What would I say? Would I answer "yes," knowing that it would surely mean my death on this earth? In the fear and chaos of the situation, would I become mute?

#YesImAChristian was seen all over the Internet today, and I fully support it. But, as I join the thousands typing that hashtag, I am sitting comfortably on my own bed, staring at a screen, safe. I am able to say that easily and without hesitation, without a gun to my head. To be honest, I don't know how I would have responded if I had been in the room.

And that scares me.

We, as Christians, are called to live continuously for Christ, and abide in His name always. Not just at Christmas. Not just on Sundays. All the time—even under threat of death.

Today, I pray for healing, physical, emotional, and spiritual, for those currently fighting for their lives in the hospital. I pray for the witnesses. I pray for Umpqua. I pray that the survivors see the glory and love and mercy of The Lord in this dark time—because His love rips through every scheme of the enemy to separate us. I pray that He makes Himself known to the survivors. I pray for healing—for them and for us as a nation where tragedies like these have become far too common.

I pray for the community, the victims, and their families. I pray also for the survivors, and those who did not say "yes." For whatever reason, be it fear, another religion, a fight or flight reflex, not even getting the chance to save themselves, or anything else—my prayer is for them to know that they are not responsible for the things they have seen. To know that they are being covered in prayer from thousands of miles away. To know that they have a Father in Heaven who loves them unconditionally. To know that He rescues us from the blackest, darkest abyss the world can throw at us.

To know that they get a second chance at life. Real life. Eternal life.

I beg you to join me in these prayers.