(Updated) Take Heart

Hey, friends… I wanted to share something that was weighing on my heart this past week.

Around the 24th anniversary of Patriots Day-- (when terrorists attacked the World Trade Center on September 11, 2001)--tragedy struck the hearts of many. Most people, at least many in the Christian circles, are mourning the death of a man named Charlie Kirk, who was shot while speaking at a Utah college.

I'm one of the few who have never heard of Charlie Kirk until now, but I am sorry for his family for their loss. But his death wasn't the only tragedy.

There was also a school shooting (one of probably MANY) in Colorado, ending many student lives. I recently learned of a young woman brutally murdered on a train ride and no one knew until it was too late. On top of that, multiple historically Black colleges were also being threatened that they had to shut down activities and evacuate their students.

All of this, I was watching the news on the 11^th, intending to observe the ceremony. I cried listening to a young woman sharing the loss of her father who was a fireman/police officer on duty when the towers fell. What I didn't expect was to see so much… sorrow, grief, pain… and hatred throughout the news.

I want to make one thing clear: I am what you may call a Christian. I prefer the term “Daughter of Jesus”. I am a Christian, but I’m far from perfect.

And yet, I prayed— spoke to Papa-God— that day I turned off my TV. Prayed for healing for the many families who are grieving… and our nation.

I was so grieved at how dark this world is. It’s easy to give in to fear, anger, and despair. If God’s so good, we’ll ask, why is there so much ugliness in this world?

I don’t have any answers… but I know Someone Who does… and WHO IS THE ANSWER.

I was then reminded of words Jesus spoke to his friends (disciples) in the Bible (and on The Chosen).

Jesus tells us that we, every single person on Earth, will struggle in some point in their lifetime. Whether they’re struggling with grief, pain, addictions, finances, family, or more.

But Jesus also tells us that He overcame the world… by sacrificing Himself for US (even those who do wicked things). Then He came back to life and lives forever, so that we can live with Him.

 Why? Because He, His Father (God), and the Holy Spirit LOVE us.  

Even now, He is here. Comforting the grieving and hurting. Inviting the lost and hungry to come to Him.  Encouraging and uplifting those who feel hopeless and heavily burdened.

When we struggle, He gives us Himself... as the Prince of Peace.

Because there’s hope. Even just today on the news, thousands are turning to Jesus!

For Papa-God, Jesus Christ, Holy Spirit… is still in control. Even when we can’t see it… He is with us.

I hope this encourages you today, as it’s encouraging me.

Be on the lookout next week for bookish news! (And reviews, because life’s gotten so busy that I’ve neglected this space for a bit.)