Horrible News

Well, it's not always good news. But the bottom line is God takes tragedies and uses them for good. We may never know all the reasons 32 senseless deaths happened in Blacksburg, Virginia. But we have to trust.

These events sadden us, numb us, cripple us and shake up our routines. Media coaches will tell you it's a matter of when, not if, an act of violence will occur at your school or workplace. So you should prepare with disaster drills and crisis plans.

Today on "Mornings with Lorri & Friends," one of our guests was Al Meredith, Pastor of Wedgwood Baptist Church in Fort Worth, Texas. Al had just returned from burying his mother in 1999 when a gunmen entered the foyer of the church and began shooting. A short time later, eight were dead, including the shooter, and seven more were injured. Pastor Meredith has since been regarded as a resource to the news media because, instinctively, he did everything right in a crisis. He made himself available to the media at any hour requested. He spoke in colorful soundbites. He is an intelligent, articulate preacher and that came across in his replies.

I urge you to listen to the podcast of Pastor Al’s interview with us. He is so wise and comforting. His words will help you reconcile the tragedy in Virginia.

Randy Singer, also with connections to a school shooting and to Virginia, underscored the fragility of life. He, Brother Al and Martin Coleman, a member of Wedgwood, emphasized that no place is safe in our world. But if you’re ready to enter the Kingdom of Heaven, then every place is safe. So the best disaster plan of all may be making sure you're right with God.

Travel safe and encourage those you encounter along the way.