Lewiston - STRONG!
Recently a horrific event unfolded here in my State of Maine. This wasn’t far from home; it was in the backyard. At the time this is written, it is like a raw wound, and the pain can be resolved (temporarily) by scratching it, but this is momentary - since we all know and are aware that scratching causes the wound to become and to stay raw, to bleed more… The events of October 25, 2023 - Wednesday night at or about 1900 hours are still raw and will be for some time.
People were out for an evening, a youth day, bowling, playing cornhole, and just hanging around with family and friends, just enjoying life, and being alive. I am here to grieve and share- my friends, since most of us know the narrative. What began as a night out - turned into a tragedy and horrifying scene leaving (at the time of this writing) 18 people dead, and 13 others wounded in different levels of conditions.
Children were shot, a teenager and dad were killed. Why? It is not a discussion on gun control, since guns cannot kill by themselves, nor can a rock, or a stick - and yet as the mind and heart wander from the Living God - and evil thoughts enter into the mind of man - we see the outcome.
Moses did not have a gun, and yet he struck down an Egyptian and buried him in the sand (Exodus 2:11-12), Cain struck and killed his brother Abel, and the blood cried to the LORD from the ground (Genesis 4:6-10). The murder weapon is not important, but two things are relevant here, if even briefly:
In Genesis 4:6 we see the conduit behind the murder - it was anger.
In Exodus 2:11-12 we notice that Moses looked around before murdering the Egyptian, so we see here that he was also angry that the Egyptian was fighting or beating a Hebrew (Moses was a Hebrew, as well), and then he struck down the Egyptian. It was an act of anger and pride, among other things.
What the murder weapon is (in this instance on October 25, 2023, it was a firearm), is not as relevant as the motive behind it.
In Acts 6-7, we see the stoning (with rocks being thrown at) to death of Stephen (specifically in Acts 7:54-60). The murder weapon was rocks.
We see many instances of murder in the Bible and in today’s world. The weapon may be a weapon of opportunity, or it may be a planned weapon - yet it is not about the weapon - but the heart.
It’s about the condition of the heart. Jesus warned about the wickedness of the heart.
“For from within, out of a person’s heart, come evil thoughts, sexual immorality, theft, murder, adultery, greed, wickedness, deceit, lustful desires, envy, slander, pride, and foolishness. All these vile things come from within; they are what defile you” (Mark 7:21-23, NLT).
In Proverbs we also see something about the heart - “Above all else, guard your heart, for it is the wellspring of life” (Proverbs 4:23, NIV).
Our hearts are deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked (see Jeremiah 17:9). We know that we think things we shouldn’t think, do things we shouldn’t do… In short we are people with a deep sin nature and must keep a guard over our hearts.
At this time (1410 hours), the shooter is still at-large, people are still rocked and afraid. At this time, the people who had their lives taken from them are still dead, the community is still raw, people are still angry and grieving, and going into all the emotions and experiencing all of the things that are to be experienced when something like this happens.
This is a large mass scale mass casualty event - yet it was in our backyard, our home. We have been violated by an enemy who ran into the night without thought for those left strewn behind. Why?
At this time, the important thing to hold onto is this - God is not pleased, God will have the final word, this is not final. He sees and will punish the wicked and wrong doer. I pray (and this may not be popular, yet I am being obedient to the Lord) - I pray that the shooter repents, confesses, and seeks God in this time before it is to late for him.
We need to also hold onto - love, hope, grace. Let us not grow weary in doing good (see in part Galatians 6:9-10) and even more as we see the Day of the Lord’s return nearing. He is coming again, and I believe He is coming again soon. He is returning on a cloud with great power and glory (Mark 13:26). Those who are apart from His covenant (Jesus is the only Way, truth, life, and no one goes to the Father but by Him / John 14:6) - will perish in their sins and have everlasting death and torment in hell ahead of them.
I don’t write this flippantly or without a heart of compassion for you and those who died in such tragedy in Lewiston, Maine; I write with a sense of compelling and grief for those who have died and departed without Jesus since it is too late for them.
Let’s hold on to love, hope, compassion, grace - God is merciful, He is longsuffering, and yet it is during these times where people question this, I have questioned it, but I know He is true and has declared some things in the Bible that we must take heed to.
The Bible declares that lawlessness will abound, that people will be brutal, that the love of money will be what people are loving on, and when Jesus comes back, He asks if there will really be faith on the earth? The Bible is being displayed more so today than perhaps at any other time. Israel is at war, and there are things happening there, violence and lawlessness is increasing and abounding (worse, and worse and worse).
Jesus is coming again - soon and quickly. Are you ready? The time to get ready is now, not tomorrow, since and as the event in Lewiston should show- we are not given or guaranteed tomorrow. Are you ready today? Now?
The Bible declares, “For everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved” (Romans 10:13, NIV). Everyone means EVERYONE. Don’t just call out to Him half-heartedly, but with all you are - since eternity is real, heaven is a place for the righteous in Christ, and hell is for Satan and his followers. If you are not walking with Christ - there is only one other option. I don’t want that for you - neither does Jesus.
Below is what I wrote to those of Lewiston, Maine. It is a brief prayer and remembrance. Please find a way to reach out if this has impacted you, reach out to someone for your own spiritual and emotional health, don’t walk alone.
Lewiston Strong-
When a deep tragedy and acts of senseless violence happen - the community is shaken - but stands firm in the resolve of those who are dedicated to seeing righteousness and hope prevail - even in the face of such horrific obstacles.
You have witnessed such tragedy and violence, and you are standing together in the face of this enemy, which has taken from you loved ones, neighbors, friends, co-workers, and so much more. This enemy has come in, caused havoc - and now the pieces are left to be put together, by you all who stand ready, and stand against those who try to steal from you those whom you love.
Stand firm, love all the more, don't grow angry - but fervent in love and hope. Hold fast the dear memories of those who died, strengthen their families, draw close to God, and to one another in such times of difficulties - hold that glimmer of hope.
You are strong!
You as a community are standing in the empty gap where others once stood within your community. You are strong, and yet at the same time, you are fragile. Your community is resilient and yet at the same time, broken. Hold those pieces and find others who are willing to help. Seek out those who cannot stand presently and help them stand. Listen to the stories of those who share their hearts - hold fast to those memories of love and kindness! Find hope in laughter, in love. Find joy, hold on to hope, grasp for peace in the moment.
You are strong!
I stand beside you as a Chaplain, as a person, as a brother, and friend in the difficulties and tragedies you presently walk in. Please know that prayers are said on your behalf constantly, our community stands ready to help you and serve you as you grieve, and as you once again are built up in strength and resolve - we will hold on to the hope together.
You are strong!
In these times, know that it is alright to not be alright. know that it is ok to not be ok. Find hope in the strength of others and be hope and strength for others.
You are strong!
I cannot give easy answers, nor do you want them, but know this - you are not alone, you are broken, this will remain forever with you, because of the love you have for those in the community. You will learn how to move forward, even when you cannot see how to move forward. You will experience love, and hate, you will experience joy and dismay. You are grieving. Moving forward doesn't mean forgetting but bringing the legacy of those lost in this event with you.
Allow people to help process the grief, allow yourself time to grieve. Never forget those who have gone ahead, never allow the enemy to take that from you.
You are strong!
You are loved!
You are courageous. I am in prayer daily for you, for your community, for the families of those who had their lives taken, for the children who witnessed the scene, for the parents, for all the caregivers, the law enforcement and EMS - for all the hero's - those who put themselves in harm's way.
I want to leave you with hope. You are strong, you are compassionate, you have been attacked at home, and this has caused trauma - you have hope, you have purpose, and you have strength in the memories, you have communities around you who will help you stand, help you lift the burden when your knees are weak.
You are loved!
I am praying over you!
