In light of the recent shooting in Aurora, Colorado, I am reminded of an event that happened in my hometown almost 13 years ago. In both incidents a deranged gunman walked into a crowed public setting and for unknown reasons opened fire on an innocent and unsuspecting crowd.

In both cases the victims were just living their lives doing normal stuff when their path collided with a selfish and self-centered individual determined to cause chaos and destruction.

After a tragedy like this one natural response is to withdraw or avoid public places. I’ve read about people around the country being wary of attending movies because of the shootings. Or not wanting to see The Dark Knight Rises because of the event.  Is that really the best response?  Living in fear and being controlled by fear gives even more power to the cowardly terrorist.

While the incident in Aurora is similar to what happened in my hometown the setting is vastly different. In Aurora it was a crowded movie theater. The other incident occurred in a church.  Churches are supposed to be a haven from the evils of the world. Yet on that night a deranged coward turned a place of safety into a house of horror. It was this event that caused me to realize safety comes in knowing who holds our future and not our physical location. Bad things can happen even in places that are supposed to be safe.  Our trust belongs solely in God’s hands.  Many times in life I have found comfort, strength and encouragement from music, Shine On Us is one of those songs.

Shine On Us Performed by Avalon

⁶ Now I know that the LORD saves his anointed;
he answers him from his holy heaven
with the saving power of his right hand.

⁷ Some trust in chariots and some in horses,
but we trust in the name of the LORD our God.

⁸ They are brought to their knees and fall,
but we rise up and stand firm. Psalm 20:6-7 (NIV)