“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.” Ephesians 6:12 

As I sit here and write, I am much too aware that there are families grieving the loss of loved ones during this time and still more that are recovering from the horrific events that unfolded on August 31, 2019. I also am aware that there is a family of the gunman who is also grieving not only the loss of their son, but the way in which he was lost. I am sure that being the family of someone who did something so horrific is heartbreaking and my heart goes out to them as well.

Odessa/Midland was my college stomping grounds. I lived there from 2011-2014, it was also the number one city in the nation for rising crime. Crime has never been a stranger to Odessa. However, no one is prepared for something like what took place days ago- a gunman, enraged from several different failures, taking out his frustration on women, men and even a 17 month old baby girl.

My husband held me that night as I sobbed. I cried for the victims. I cried for the families. I cried for the gunman’s family. Mostly, I cried for our world.

Our world that is so broken and in need of a Savior, and instead of identifying and fighting the obvious opponent, we want to fight and bicker about policies and fight amongst ourselves.

I try to stay away from political posts. Normally, if you look on my page, you will find NOTHING about politics. I don’t believe Facebook or my page is the best place to post political feelings or beliefs and if you know me, you more than likely know where I stand anyway. I’m pretty outspoken in person. But, I am starting to realize this is not just a political problem, this is a sin problem. This is a heart problem.

Senseless violence.

Murder.

Rampage.

The master minds behind this are not the democrats or republicans or any other political party or human being in general- this is the work of satan. Satan is the master mind behind all of this chaos and affliction.

Satan is having his cake, and eating is too.

And I’m tired of it.

America we are not fighting guns. We should not be fighting each other. There is a bigger enemy. He is smart. He is deceiving and he is wicked.

He knows exactly where to strike and when, and unfortunately this gunman fell for his tactics and ended up becoming an enemy because of it. He was deceived. He was in sin and he was fully aware of what he was doing. I am not advocating for insanity- but I am saying he was lost.

And he isn’t the only one.

This world is dying.

In the medieval times, no one blamed the sword. So why do we blame the gun? Rather it is the character of the man behind the trigger, not the trigger itself.

We are the light. 

We are here to love, guide, rebuke in kindness and with a heart that cares, and lead with Jesus.

We are not the world’s salvation, but we are ambassadors of the One who is.

May we never forget that the enemy is not ultimately guns or one another- may we unite and stand against the real enemy of the darkness and yes, those who have chosen to side with him, have chosen. They become enemies in flesh, but they are guided by the enemy in spirit.

That is their choice.

But for me and my house… we will serve the Lord.

“The thief cometh not, but that he may steal, and kill, and destroy: I came that they may have life, and may have [it] abundantly.” John 10:10 ASV 

Stand in the light my friend. We have already won.

My heart goes out again to the friends and family and all of the Permian Basin.

You are in my heart and prayers tonight and going forward.

You are loved, valued and useful.