We awoke this morning to devastating news in our city–The city where I was born and raised; The city where Tom and I were married; The city where our three children were born and raised as well.

Our city has faced a dark night–two in fact this weekend, and our hearts are broken. 

Facebook and the Internet are swarming with speculations as to what happened and why. Many are quick to point a finger of judgment. Really? At a time of such horrific events, let’s stay focused on what matters. People who were living and breathing on Friday afternoon are no longer here. Their lives were taken from them at the hateful hand of another. This has been marked the worst mass shooting in American history, and it happened in the city where dreams are supposed to come true!

Our hearts and prayers go out to all who are mourning this loss on a personal level. May God comfort you as you walk this road. 

This is not a time to cast judgment. Nor is it a time to make jokes. We are in mourning as a city, as a nation. If it had happened to one of your loved ones how would you want to be treated? Let’s respect these victims with the same love and concern. 

May the unchanging God bless us and keep us walking close to Him as we face these uncertain days.