Hey guys, to whoever might be reading this, yea...I haven't posted in a long time. I think it's been roughly two years or so. I have only been using tumblr. But I felt like this is a good time to come back to write about certain things.
I should be preparing my interview on Tuesday, but I just really need to write this all out.
There is so much happening this week. Unfortunately, most of these events reflected the darkest sides of humanity. The Paris shooting and Beirut bombing left the world with so much suffering once again. I knew a few friends who lived near the area, and I was sick to my stomach as I was frantically texting them, trying to get in touch to make sure they were doing okay and staying safe. Fortunately, they replied and were not in very vicinity of the incident. But there were so many who were near and in the area. The latest news read 153 people died from the human atrocities that happened that day. A redditor talked about her sister telling her excitingly that she was going to the stadium on the day of the bombing and never came back. My heart broke and continue to break every time I think about and hear about someone's experience of losing someone to people who want to hurt the innocent.
Even after ISIS claimed their involvement with the incident, I still don't understand how could anyone do this? I am not terribly educated on how ISIS operates or what they claim to be the reason of their actions, but to me, nothing justifies killing the innocent.
From violence to cutting off wealth and supplies, I've heard multiple different opinions on how to stop ISIS. A part of me want all of them to happen, but another part also wants to say that maybe ISIS truly represents the evil of this world, the acts of Satan. In that sense, there is no way to wipe out evil. If they were truly brainwashed by these so-called leaders of ISIS, to an extent, I feel almost sorry for them, for the amount of hate they have for the world, or for lacking value of human lives. Do they believe that their actions are contributing to the greater good? I really hope their actions have nothing to do with all that virgin promise that I read about, because that is a truly dangerous and horrendous way of thinking....
My pastor brought up Job today. In Job 1, I was reminded that he lost everything--his family and his wealth--within minutes, except his wife and health. With such a strong heart, he fell to the ground and praised the Lord.
I'm listening to Newsboy's Blessed Be Your Name, and you know what, He does give and take away. Am I strong enough to eventually keep a joyful spirit after losing everything? Can I ever be as strong as Job? Can anyone? He didn't blame God for this sufferings, instead he praised Him.
I was reminded of what a friend of mine asked me a few weeks ago. She asked me why would God allow or even command killing of others, if killing is simply wrong? I struggled to give her an adequate answer at the time, and I don't think I can at this time either. But after today's sermon, I was reminded that God sent his Son to die for us. He essentially commanded his Son to die for the people they loved. He sacrificed his own Son so no one else has to die for their sins. I hope you understand the power of this love. Am I ever strong enough to give up my own child so my friends, acquaintances, and even strangers and my own enemies, will live? I don't know if I am ever capable of this much love, but I know that is the direction I want to grow, and I need His help.
I would like to believe that at least some of the victims are now in heaven with God, living happily, without tears, without pain, without sorrow. Rachel Barkey, a Christian who is now with God after cancer took her life, believes that death is not dying. For Christians, I think that is a wonderful definition for death: with a faith that saves, it is anything but dying.
As we carry on our lives amidst of the tragedies and mourning, please just give out love as much as you can. Continue to share even more love and be even more caring than you think you can. Sit with those who need company. Hug them and let love pass between you. Share Christ's love for others as much and as strongly as you can...even with your enemies.
Stay strong, we are all in this together.
