My heart has hurt the past several days. I’m sure you have heard of the tragic events from last Thursday night in Dallas (what I’ve called home the past 31 years), but I wanted to just share a few. I grew up about 15 minutes from the heart of Dallas and currently live about 30 minutes from Big D. I went to college just miles away from where the shootings occurred. So this hit home for me.
Last Thursday, I get a text from my younger sister (whose husband is a Deputy in Louisiana), who tells me to make sure I am not near Downtown Dallas…that police have been shot at a protest…and to stay safe. I stayed up till 2:30am glued to TV and social media (ugh) in awe of what happened. My heart hurt. It still does.
I have probably watched every video (and article/Facebook post) there is out there of the events and everything, I mean everything, that is associated with it. Videos of the shootings (all of them), of protests since then, videos of shooting statistics, FB groups started in relation to this, and videos of people coming together (these make me tear up).
I have really been battling anger lately. I’m so angry that my kids will grow up in such a broken world. I’m angry that America, “the land where dreams are made,” are tearing each other apart and spewing so much hate. I’ve prayed hard for God to remove this anger and show me how to respond.
I came across this verse and wanted to make a sign of it and share it with you guys. It’s found in Proverbs 16:7 – “When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, he makes even his enemies live at peace with him.” My Bible gives a lesson in reference to this verse and this is what it says – “Our effort to be peacemakers will usually make us more attractive to those around us, even our enemies. But even if it doesn’t, we haven’t lost anything. We are still pleasing God, the only one who truly matters.”
Download printable HERE
I think this is important for us to remember. Love. And I also have to remember that majority of the people on all sides of this are peaceful…sadly the negative frequently makes the media. I have hope for this nation. God says if you have faith as small as a mustard seed, nothing will be impossible for you. I have to have faith.
This is so touching. I have been struggling with my feelings toward all that is going on as well. My father in law is a police officer so of course I fear for his safety too. Thanks for sharing your thoughts and I love the printable.
I am thankful for people like your father in law. They are truly on another level…sacrificing their lives for total strangers.
Thank you so much for posting this! I love that you turned it to the Lord instead of just choosing a side (at least publicly). Glad you and your family are safe. I know Proverbs is your fave (and I did love the verse you shared) but this is another good one: “You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies. You anoint my head with oil; my cup overflows.” – Psalm 23:5. I have also heard it translated, “you prepare a table for me with my enemies,” meaning that one day Jesus will restore all and we will be at such peace that we can eat with the people we fight with the most on earth.
That is a great verse Laura. Thank you for sharing.
Thanks for your words – it is very hard (understatement) to process all of it.. I love that you turned to God’s word for comfort. He is the only one that can give us that peace!