This post is going to be religious. I know that religion can be a touchy subject for some, so if that is you - please go ahead and skip today's thoughts. :)
Everywhere I look online, people are talking about Osama bin Laden's death. Facebook statuses are dedicated to it. The news is talking of nothing else. Many bloggers are posting on this event. There are so many different feelings being expressed on this one happening; some I agree with, some I don't. Mainly, I have felt glad that there is one less terrorist leader running free to hurt people. But I have also felt worry, because this guy had friends and many people ready to step in and fill his shoes. It sounds like our government expects a retaliation of some sort at some point. Reading that made me feel unsafe.
Then I read this article/talk by Elder Nelson. It speaks of hope, faith in our Heavenly Father, and the ability to look forward to the future while being of good cheer. He doesn't say everything is going to be all pretty unicorns and confetti. Actually, far from it. He says that we can expect tough times, but he quoted scripture where God promises to take care of those who follow Jesus Christ. Now, I've done enough reading and lived enough years to know that I can trust the promises Heavenly Father makes. Reading this made me feel better and calmer. It soothed my worked up fears and worries and gave me some peace. I want to share that with you. Regardless of what church you go to, God has assured us that He will protect His own.
To quote Isaiah 49:25 - "But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." **sigh of relief** I don't know about you, but my greatest worries rotate around my children and this scripture slowed my anxiety and warmed my heart. He will save my babies. I will place all my thoughts, hopes, and doubts on this promise and look forward to the future with faith.
How have the recent events made you feel?
Everywhere I look online, people are talking about Osama bin Laden's death. Facebook statuses are dedicated to it. The news is talking of nothing else. Many bloggers are posting on this event. There are so many different feelings being expressed on this one happening; some I agree with, some I don't. Mainly, I have felt glad that there is one less terrorist leader running free to hurt people. But I have also felt worry, because this guy had friends and many people ready to step in and fill his shoes. It sounds like our government expects a retaliation of some sort at some point. Reading that made me feel unsafe.
Then I read this article/talk by Elder Nelson. It speaks of hope, faith in our Heavenly Father, and the ability to look forward to the future while being of good cheer. He doesn't say everything is going to be all pretty unicorns and confetti. Actually, far from it. He says that we can expect tough times, but he quoted scripture where God promises to take care of those who follow Jesus Christ. Now, I've done enough reading and lived enough years to know that I can trust the promises Heavenly Father makes. Reading this made me feel better and calmer. It soothed my worked up fears and worries and gave me some peace. I want to share that with you. Regardless of what church you go to, God has assured us that He will protect His own.
To quote Isaiah 49:25 - "But thus saith the Lord, Even the captives of the mighty shall be taken away, and the prey of the terrible shall be delivered: for I will contend with him that contendeth with thee, and I will save thy children." **sigh of relief** I don't know about you, but my greatest worries rotate around my children and this scripture slowed my anxiety and warmed my heart. He will save my babies. I will place all my thoughts, hopes, and doubts on this promise and look forward to the future with faith.
How have the recent events made you feel?
calm & peaceful stock photo
5 comments:
I cant decide how I feel... honestly...Its kind of one of those surreal moments, where I am not sure where I stand... I will keep thinking on it. I enjoyed your thoughts however, its good perspective.
It's great that there is one less 'influential' terrorist, but he has so many followers, who are not happy over his death and may rise up... who knows what these followers will do in the immediate future? It's so worrisome!
But we have the LORD to put our trust and faith to... and we have our lives right now, right here, to continue in humility, gratitude and celebration!
I do feel a measure of triumph and patriotism that bin Laden is dead. But I don't think it's something we should get all crazy and in-your-face about. Because you're right... there is a chance that there could be retaliation. I sure hope I'm wrong. Also, and I know this man was very evil and killed many, many innocent people, but at the same time, a man has gone to meet his maker and is unprepared to do so. That's not something I want to celebrate.
The promises of God are things I cling to like a lifeline. I don't know what's going to happen in our futures. It's easy to doubt and fear. But I've always been taught and try to remember that fear is the counterfeit of faith.
And like you said, God takes care of His faithful. Whether in life or in death, we are His. One day I know I'll understand it all, but today all I can do is just keep on clinging.
I am glad he has passed. On the other hand I do know that he has friends, like you noted. I sometimes wonder if this one life was worth the numbers of people's lives {military forces} that we've put into jeopardy. Many families we've hurt because they were fighting against terrorism. The money and death that has happened on our end is what has bothered me. Is the fight worth it? There is always going to be evil people among us. No matter how hard we fight, how many people get killed and how much we get in debt, there is still going to be evil in this world. I always try to live by the motto: Do unto others as you would want them to do unto you. we're fighting just like they are.
Jamie,
I heard about (on the radio) this comment left on K-Love's Facebook page the other day (by Randy Gowin - a listener) and thought it so appropriate:
"I mourn the loss of thousands of precious lives, but I will not rejoice in the death of one, not even an enemy. Returning hate for hate multiplies hate, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that." - Martin Luther King, Jr
I had never heard this quote from Martin Luther King, Jr. but he impresses me every time.
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