There must be some kind of world-wide contest underway to see which country can inflict the most harm on its own citizens or its neighbors- Gaza, Israel, West Bank, Syria, Ukraine, North Korea, Sudan, Iraq, Afghanistan… ad infinitum.
I recently saw a picture of a young boy who looked to be about twelve years old, who lived in one of the Middle Eastern war-torn countries. The news blurb revealed that his parents had recently been killed. The expression on his face was riveting. It revealed a level of anger and hatred that would be shocking on the face of a 40 year-old, but it was even more shocking on a child’s face. And I thought, “We know how this is going to end. I just wonder how many he will manage to kill before he’s killed?”
I’m really sick-at-heart of war news, aren’t you? Why must so many people die over a piece of land or an oilfield or ethnic pride or because one group wants to control another group? Hatred is self-perpetuating.
I’m reminded of how incredibly blessed I am to be a Christian. I am so happy to be part of a spiritual family that loves and cares for each other. I’m happy to be part of a church where there is peace and unity. I don’t take it for granted.
Yes, I know… it’s not perfect. And there are two reasons why it’s not. One of them is because I’m part of this family; the other is because you are.
Peace and security and encouragement are rare commodities these days. Let’s all treasure it and pray that it continues and grows.
“The Lord’s our rock, in Him we hide, a shelter in the time of storm;
Secure whatever ill betide, A shelter in the time of storm….”
Ken Stegall
