Sunday, February 20, 2011

Tucson Shootings

As a sheltered and over-protected only child, I chose a career in journalism because I thought it would be a one-way trip to adventure.

And in many ways, it has been. I've met people and seen places and ridden cars, hot air balloons and vintage planes and wagons. In many more ways, I've had a front-row seat to tragedy... and then had to meet a deadline to describe it.

The shootings on January 8 in Tucson hit close to home. The radio network at which I've been working sits 500 yards from the Safeway grocery store where "Congress on Your Corner" was being held that morning. Not only that, but twice in my career, I have been an aide to lawmakers. It feels different when you realize you could have been shot at, rather than just observe and journal the aftermath. That's a selfish thought. Here's a more altruistic one: we are supposed to be one of the most advanced societies ever... when are we going to get it right, whether "it" is mental illness, gun laws, safety... when are we doing to be enlightened enough so that we don't kill each other?

As a Christ follower, I can tell you the answer is only when we get to Heaven.

If you were listening to our faith-based radio network, you heard it again and again, "We live in a fallen world."

The good news, even for a fallen world, is that some people will search for the silver linings of this incident and find them. They are there: heroes who saved lives, heroes who sacrificed their lives to save others, a woman shot in the head at close range survives and walks and talks!

The better news, especially for a fallen world, is that Jesus offers eternal life, no matter how violently you die. People argue about how you take Him up on that offer, so read His message and decide for yourself. It starts with believing He is the son of God.

When you take that step, you're in for one-way adventure of a lifetime.

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