There are times when even pastors shake their heads and shed tears. The tragic shooting at the Connecticut elementary school is one of those times. Yet, I continue to trust in God, whose thoughts are not our thoughts and His ways are not our ways. And so, we cry out with the psalmist: “Deliver me, O Lord, from evil men; preserve me from violent men, who plan evil things in their heart. ...” (Psalms 140:1-2)
It is important to remember that this is not God’s doing ... this is a truly evil act brought about by the work of Satan in this young man’s life. This is a terrible reminder, in the midst of preparations for Christmas, that we live in an evil world that is corrupted by sin (there, but for the grace of God, go I).
And so, we give thanks that God, in His mercy, sent His Son into the world, born of a woman, born under the law, to redeem us who are under the law. God knows what violence to a child is as His Son was crucified at the hands of evil men for our salvation. God knows the grief and anguish these parents are experiencing. We commend these families into His most gracious care.
An passage from Lutheran Service Book 764, “When aimless violence takes those we love,” stanzas 1, 4 and 5:
“When aimless violence takes those we love, When random death strikes childhood’s promise down, When wrenching loss becomes our daily bread, We know, O God, You leave us not alone. ...
“Because Your Son knew agony and loss, Felt desolation, grief and scorn and shame, We know You will be with us, come what may, Your loving presence near, always the same.
“Through long grief-darkened days help us, dear Lord, To trust Your grace for courage to endure, To rest our souls in Your supporting love, And find our hope within Your mercy sure.”
Rev. K.C. Dehning, pastor
St. James Lutheran Church
Letters
PUBLIC FORUM: God understands overwhelming grief
- Letters
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PUBLIC FORUM: Minimize our risk before making bet
A Logansport letter-writer calls a local proposal to generate energy from refuse-derived fuels a risky gamble.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for making event a success
A Big Brothers, Big Sisters representative is grateful for the community's support in a recent fundraiser.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Mayor tells residents of positive change
When the residents of Logansport elected me as their new mayor in November 2011, it was truly an honor.
Our city was battling back from a devastating loss of 1,500 jobs in five years, a recession that wasn’t letting up on the household income of our residents, a divided fire protection commitment in our county and an overall sense of loss in our community. -
PUBLIC FORUM: Say thank you during National Nurses Week
Having an unsuspected or immediate need for medical attention can be a traumatic event for just about any person. In our current healthcare system, there are entirely too many unknowns.
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PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for making the baseball season happen
With spring and warmer weather (finally!), brings another baseball season. The board and managers/coaches at Logansport Youth Baseball have been extremely busy over the past two years renovating both our fields to provide a quality atmosphere for our players and fans who support our league.
- PUBLIC FORUM: We need more jobs in Indiana and nation
- PUBLIC FORUM: Lincoln Day dinner a big success for Republicans
- PUBLIC FORUM: Thanks for caring about downtown Logansport
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PUBLIC FORUM: Direction is the best option presented
Logansport is facing a serious problem with our current coal-fired generation plant. New EPA regulations will require millions of dollars to upgrade or shut down. The city and LMU have been exploring options to provide a solution to this looming problem.
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PUBLIC FORUM: 95 percent an inflated estimate
Who is going to protect us from higher electric rates in the future?
- More Letters Headlines
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PUBLIC FORUM: Minimize our risk before making bet
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