I have not posted in a few weeks. I honestly dreaded writing
this post in particular because I felt I needed to record what I have had to
process through. It is written as we and us when talking about relating with
God but rest assured knowing that I am speaking to myself as much as others.
If you have been watching
the news you will have noticed that one week ago there was a tragic incident in
Nairobi, Kenya. On a busy shopping Saturday at a upscale mall on the west edge
of town gunmen invaded and took hostages, killed innocent people, and created
chaos. Four days later 3 floors of the mall collapsed killing the gunmen and
any remaining hostages. It was a long and
tragic incident and one that has left me at a loss for words for the last week
or so.
I am not sure I can describe how humbling it has been to be
in a country that is not your own that experiences national tragedy. The response of Kenyans has reminded me of the
national pride and care that took place in the United States following the
September 11th attacks. Blood donation centers had so many people
they had to turn away citizens willing to donate and as a nation has raised over
69 million Ksh (almost 1 million US dollars) for victims and their families.
When tragedy strikes in our broken world there is the
temptation of many to ask why. We wonder why bad things happen to good innocent
people. We wonder why God would allow such a thing to happen. The truth is that
evil is in our world. We live in a world that is fallen, corrupted, and makes
us question God himself. In this time I am reminded of:
John 16:33
“I have told you all this so
that you may have peace in me. Here on earth you will have many trials and
sorrows. But take heart, because I have overcome the world.”
This verse is from Jesus
himself. He flat out tells us you WILL have trials and sorrows. So when they do
come in our life why are we surprised by them? Instead of taking the peace He
gives and “taking heart” as the verse says we question, we wonder, and even
point the finger at God.
The Westgate attack in Nairobi was
an awful event and one that many will mourn and remember for the rest of their
lives. But in the pain, in the agony let us not forget God is a God of love and
redemption mourning alongside of us and bringing beauty from the ashes.
Hallie,
ReplyDeleteHang in there, dear girl! It already sounds like you are relying on the peace of God to sustain you as you walk alongside the Kenyan people during this tragic time. It is already evident that God is working inside the hearts of the Kenyan people, and inside yours. Miss you over here, but I know God is using you for such a great purpose, so I say that I miss you with joy! I will be eager to read your updates to see how God is working! Blessings to you,
Lauren