I know many of you woke up today holding a bag of mixed emotions, ranging from anger and confusion to disbelief and a frustration that feels like it cannot be contained. Our country was attacked 24 years ago today in a way that no one expected. It left such a lasting impression that for those who are old enough, we clearly remember where we were and what we were doing at the time of the attacks. This impact continues today as families and friends reflect on those who were senselessly killed. And as first responders, we understand deeply the calling to serve even when it means losing your life to save the lives of others.
We also might be waking up with a surge of emotions because of what happened yesterday. When I received a text from a friend telling me Charlie Kirk had been shot, I immediately asked if he was okay. I received a video link and watched it, thinking it was a news article. Instead, it was a video of the actual shooting. Sadly, over the years of being an LEO, I have witnessed many horrible things and have seen many people die. In part, that’s why this video triggered me. I am still reflecting on everything the video has stirred up. But I was caught off guard and was angry at the situation, angry that others would see this violence, knowing the lasting negative impact it has made on the lives of many first responders. Then I thought about his family, how he was trying to bridge a gap for conversations to happen so that this very thing would not happen again. I thought, how much darker can this world get… And all of this was compounded by another school shooting and other recent senseless tragedies. I found myself wanting to draw a line.
And, as I am still holding on to my own bag of emotions, I have been praying a lot and two scriptures keep coming to me.
Ephesians 6:12: “For our struggle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the powers of this dark world and against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavenly realms.” Who am I truly mad at? I know the people who did this are responsible for their horrific actions, but what guided them? Who moved the pieces? When you read Paul’s writing, it is clear. Our fight is not with flesh and blood, but against the spiritual forces of evil.
The second verse that came to me is 1 Peter 5:8: “Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour.”
The tactics of the enemy are to seek and destroy. When we create a line of division, when we allow anger to be our voice, when we allow the darkness to consume us, we cannot be a light for Jesus and then the enemy wins. As I continue to pray and navigate as I know many of you are, I am moved to be even more bold and share the love of Jesus in a greater way, in love. I am praying for many. Remember that you may be the only love someone will get to see or hear and by doing that…. it opens a door to share about the goodness of Jesus.
Humbled to serve,
Jorge
If you want to make love known, you must love the way He loves you ~ Jorge Alessandri
I am a small piece of a broken mirror reflecting something Great. ~ Jorge Alessandri