INSPIRASUNS

This life is so precious and so short. There are no words to explain the gift of life that is given to us by Father. It’s priceless, the bond between family, and often it is so taken for granted.

Yesterday morning I was doing some work before my meetings here in South Carolina. My phone rang, it was my oldest daughter. She told me about a shooting that had taken place back home in a small community not far from our home there. Then she shared the name of one of the victims they believed to have been killed. I knew instantly the name, and more so the person. Jan worked with me for many years. I also worked with two of her sisters and her mother. We all worked at the same company for many years. At this small company, everyone knew everyone and we eventually became a family of sorts.

The news reports yesterday reported that three people were shot and killed. I told my daughter I feared that Jan’s children were among the others. I called my youngest daughter, an attorney, to see if she by chance knew any details. She confirmed the shooting and that the suspect still had not been apprehended, although the authorities had identified him. At the time we spoke, the names of all the deceased had not been released. We all agreed to keep each other updated as information became available.

I began to message several of my friends and past co-workers, all of whom knew Jan and her family. A community of friends and family began to pray for this family. A little while later the word came that Jan and her two children, her son Caleb and her daughter Sarah were indeed the victims. Jan, who was only 61, and her children, Caleb only 23, and Sarah 26, were fatally shot at their home. There simply are no words to express the loss. There are no words to describe the pain that will be faced here by the surviving family members. The senseless loss of life.

The suspect, 23 years old, was tracked down in a Chicago suburb, and after breaking into a different home, killing two dogs, and running from the police, he was shot and killed by authorities. There are no words for the senseless loss of life in this situation. So many young people now gone.

Friends, I don’t know why things like this happen. God’s children have free will to make decisions, to make mistakes, really bad decisions and mistakes. I know that satan is involved in some way. He has no problem tormenting God’s children, making them feel hurt, anger, fear, and whatever emotion he can to break the will of those he hunts.

I know that Jesus was there in the end. He escorted Jan and her children to a life of everlasting joy. They were not alone in those final moments, this I know.

This morning friends, please lift prayers for Jan’s mother and siblings. There simply are no words for the pain they are enduring at this time. Lift prayers for Jesus to ease that pain, heal their hearts, and comfort their souls through this most difficult time. You have always helped in lifting prayers and I know today you will be there again.

Father, be with Jan’s family. Please bring your healing power to their broken hearts. Help them to know that they are not alone, a community mourns with them. Wrap your loving arms around this family Father. Comfort them in their loss. There are no words, but there are prayers and there is love. Thank you Father for the gift of healing.

Psalm 147:3
He heals the brokenhearted and binds up their wounds.