When fear comes

In the wake of the recent theater gun shooting in Aurora, Colorado, much has been, and continues to be discussed concerning why this happened, how this happened, who is this perpetrator, what was his motive, was he mentally stable.....etc.

This has also spurred public debate over violence in movies, gun control, public safety and the role of our elected officials to do something about this. It is not for us to ask the questions why, but to know the reasons for such acts committed upon mankind. In the book of Jeremiah chapter 17 verse 9, the Bible reads; “The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked; who can know it?” In Proverbs 14:12, we read “There is a way which seemeth right unto a man...”  None of us can prevent a person from concluding his or her own brand of justice in their own mind. God alone knows the heart of a man. 

While the media becomes ensnared trying to answer the questions of who, what, when, where and how; many are left with not knowing where to turn. I encourage you to lean on faith.  

All of this has a familiar ring to it. We have seen this movie before. As a nation, we are becoming more and more sensitized to the horrific tragedies perpetrated upon the general public from both outside and within our borders. A sense of helplessness, and sometimes hopelessness grips us leaving us with nothing to look forward to, but the fear of it happening again.

From my faith traditions in Christ Jesus, I submit to the Collinwood Community, to the City of Cleveland, even to the nation that "When Fear Comes," faith is the only thing that will help. We need Faith in our fellow man to lend a helping hand; and to speak a word of comfort to a grieving spirit. Faith in the human spirit, which was fashioned after God, to lift us up out of the abyss these times aim to cast us into. Faith in the promises of God; that though we walk through the valley of the shadows of death; we need not fear any evil, for He is with us. Yes God is with us always, even in times like these to use our hearts, our hands and our hope to make our community and our world a better and safer place to live.

So reach out to someone today who may be losing or have lost their way. Say a kind word to someone today, for it may be the difference between life and death. So When Fear Comes, attack it with your FAITH!!!

Speak Life!

Jimmie F. Booze is the Executive Pastor at New Birth Ministries, Inc. 14911 Westropp Avenue, in Collinwood.

Jimmie Booze

Executive Pastor of New Birth Ministries, Inc.

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Volume 4, Issue 7, Posted 2:06 PM, 08.11.2012