My. Heart. Broke.

We don’t have cable television in our home so I learned of the Las Vegas, NV shootings the morning after it happened when opening my computer and seeing #PrayforLasVegas throughout my social media news feed on many of my friends posts. “Pray for Las Vegas?” I questioned. I went to google and began typing: “What happened in Las Vegas?” and hit enter.

There it was.

My. Heart. Broke.

Many dead, many injured. This brought sadness to me as I am sure to many others. Why does another tragic thing have to happen in this world?

After hearing of this, I went to my oldest daughter who was up getting ready for school. I gave her a huge hug and kiss. I then let her know of what happened as I figured she would hear about it at school. We both prayed for all the victims and their families and went on to finish getting ready. We got into the car and headed to her school. I didn’t think I would hear any more of the sadness that happened the rest of the day especially since I decided to take a break from the computer. Sometimes when I hear of things like this I just want to shut it off because my heart just breaks so much for this world. But I should have known we cannot shut off hearing about these sad tragedies because if we don’t see it on the news, or the internet, or hear on the radio, someone eventually will ask you, did you hear what happened?

And so, as the man on the radio station began talking of what happened in Las Vegas tears came rolling down my face because a moment of weakness came over me. I felt like turning the car around to head home and lock myself and family up in our home forever just so that nothing bad would ever happen to us. But of course reality hits. I know that is not possible. I know we cannot live in fear and God certainly does not want us to live in fear either.

One thing I am realizing is I need to not be ashamed to step out in faith and proclaim what I believe. The church my family and I attend is currently in a series called “Next level U”. How can we take ourselves to the next level? Stepping out and proclaiming our faith is certainly a way we can take ourselves to the next level. Instead of fearing what could or will happen next, we can trust God’s got this and wherever we go, whatever happens, God will be with us. Fear is only going to take away the joy that this life has to offer or what we as God’s children could offer someone else. If I were to lock myself and family up in our home forever, I know that would leave the world five less people to let God’s light shine through for others to experience the love God offers us.

You have not received a spirit that makes you fearful slaves. Instead, you received God’s Spirit when he adopted you as his own children. Now we call him, “Abba, Father.”  Romans 8:15 NLT

So, I know I can’t be fearful about going places just because there are some not so good people in this world. There is hope for those not so good people when we step out in our faith and let others know of God’s good news in any way we are able to. I may sound overconfident in this hope but I truly believe sharing the Lord’s word can make a difference and maybe, just maybe, one less bad thing would happen.

Lindsey

Lindsey Montejo is a stay at home wife, mother and newer follower of Christ. The desire has been placed in her to share her experiences of her growing relationship with God and to let others know that His love is unconditional.