February 15, 2018

Good Morning Family,

Well, it is a good morning in that we have been granted another day, but it is hard to have a good morning knowing that another mass shooting has taken place in our country and in another one of our schools. I know many of you are hurting just as I am for the families, community and our country as we try to make sense of this mess. As your pastor, I want you to know that God will be in midst of this journey that we find ourselves on as to what to do, where to turn, and how we might help.

First and foremost, we must turn to God and rely on Him. As Psalm 121 states, “I lift up my eyes to the hills- from where will my help come? My help comes from the Lord, who made heaven and earth.” Second, we can pray for the families and their loss not only of loved ones, but the insecurity that our students face all over this country as more and more of these tragic events take place. And I know this will be hard, but pray for the young man who perpetrated this horrible act, and his family as well, for they have lost a loved one now as well. Third, let’s talk with our children about this; as much as possible, try to help them work through this challenge in our lives. We have not heard the complete cause for this person to take the actions he did, but something that tends to play a role in actions of this nature has been the act of exclusion. Let’s help our children realize they will not always like everyone they are around or that are around them, but to try and see that no one leaves their presence without the person’s dignity and respect in intact. This will go a long way to effect change.

May you feel and know God’s grace!

Now, let’s go out and make it a Great Day!

Pastor Freddie Orr