I have tried to be upbeat this morning. Tried to think of something clever to post. Bottom line is business right?
But it's not. At all.
Last night my city, Grand Rapids, Michigan, was absorbed in a horrific event. Last night a mass murderer killed 7 people including 2 children, then led police on a chase that ended up with him taking hostages.
We left our children last night. Home. Alone. It's not that they aren't old enough, they are. But my heart was sick and concerned. My son was keeping us up to date on what was going on via text, and as soon as I was able I logged into my twitter account. That is where I found out everything.
Social media was reporting every detail from police scanners, which although was helpful to me, I wondered if he was listening? It was crazy to read something on twitter and then have it reported on the news 5, 10, 15 minutes later. But I realize their need and want to verify all information...I respect that.
Our city came together riveted to our screens. Waiting. Praying. Hoping. We wanted it to end peaceably. We wanted those hostages to get out alive. Already had been too much tragedy.
Most impressive was our Police Department and our Police chief. Calm. Collected. Brave.
I'd like to send it all ended well. It didn't. Yes, the hostages were unharmed. But the gunman shot himself. Although you may have many thoughts on that result, it doesn't give justice to the families forever traumatized by this event.
We woke up this morning and moved on. What's for breakfast? What shall we do with our Friday night? What about the beach this weekend?
Not the families that lost loved ones. Their lives will never be the same. Never. What about those that were taken hostage? Will they EVER sleep well again? What about those that witnessed it all? And my mind keeps going to the children. My.heart.aches.
Our lives can change in an instant. Theirs did.
And what about his family? What about his mother? Did someone love him? Is someone out there aching because of what he did, and wondering what went so wrong? Is someone blaming themselves?
Today I encourage you to spend time reminding those you love how much you value them. Spend time being grateful for the amazing LIFE you have. Spend time praying for the families left behind. If you are local there is a candlelight vigil tonight for the families from 8:30-10 at the Ford Museum.
Excellent post, my dear. This event even made front page news last night in England...but it was so personal, so close, so painful... I can't stop thinking about the families and the terror those hostages must have felt. How I thank God those last ones got out alive. With all the evil in this world, I'm SO GLAD I know my future is secure in the eternal arms of my Savior!
ReplyDeleteThank you for that. Someone I know from high school was friends with this guy's wife who was killed yesterday along with her daughter, sister, and parents. A completely senseless act that -- like you said -- will forever change many people's lives forever. Watching it all unfold last night and following along through all the media...it truly felt as if we were truly all neighbors last night. Glad you are safe and your family, too. God bless you!
ReplyDeleteEvents like this always leave us wondering what could be SO bad or have gone SO wrong to make someone think this is his only option. It just shows us more insight into the gravity of our souls and how desperately we need the Holy Spirit in us.
ReplyDeleteHorrific.
ReplyDeleteOh Lisa - I don't know how you put this into words this morning after such heartache, so glad your family is safe. Thank you for writing this.
ReplyDeleteMay the God and the Goddess bring healing to the families which were affected and peace to those who live in that area. So mote it be!
ReplyDeleteOh, Lisa ... how absolutely horrific. I can't imagine how terrifying this was for you, knowing that your kids were home alone. So glad you're all safe.
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