First Baptist Church of Herndon

United World

Linda Soller | Nov 23, 2015

There it was again, another terrorist attack on an unsuspecting population of innocent people. Paris was left reeling and the world took a unified breath in disbelief. So many killed and so many more injured, it’s hard to wrap our heads around this pointless exercise in brutality and cowardice. Some say such actions are designed to bring on retaliation, some say it’s to show power, and others say it comes from a place of deep frustration with and detachment from mankind. Again we are left with a choice of how to go forward.

The challenge is not so very different than what a family faces when a child or relative turns to violence and strikes out against innocents. The people who loved the attacker, who had hope for their future are left stunned, ashamed, saddened, and wondering where to go next. They can wallow in their pain, become defensive, or maybe, just maybe make a difference in the community injured by the person they loved. The terrorist had families too, as hard as that may be to believe while we’re in the midst of our anguish.

I’m not a well-traveled person. As it happens I have been to Paris. I found it to be a friendly, relaxed environment for such a big city. I don’t remember ever feeling fearful as we walked about the streets, or road the metro. Yet on the TV screen I saw a very different city, where people looked frightened and exhausted. I saw something else as I sat in the comfort of my home, safe, watching these people live out the fear that follows such an attack. I saw large groups gathering, uniting, lighting candles, crying, and praying. I saw photos of world renowned locations lit in red, white, and blue; a sign of solidarity and support to encourage the people of France.

What is good in the world and in mankind unites us against what is bad and troubled. What we learn with each encounter can make us stronger, and more resilient. In our benediction each Sunday, Pastor Sean reminds us the world is too dangerous for anything but love. God is love. I ask you in your prayers to seek God’s love for mankind, and His guidance as we move forward. I ask you to pray for a world which, while seemingly lost and struggling, still manages to stand together when evil rears its ugly head. I encourage you to set aside a special time each day to pray for peace, understanding, courage to help others, and a united world. If you do not do this, who will?

May your Thanksgiving be filled with hope! :o)  Linda