Remembering O.K.C.

Today we remember the Oklahoma City bombing that took place 18 years ago. Since that time there have been other, various acts of evil done on American soil. From the recent bombing at the Boston Marathon to the tragedy of Sandy Hook Elementary School. It seems that even with the strongest pushes for peace coupled with remarkable technological advances, there is still evil that plagues humanity.

Growing up in Oklahoma City I can recall bits and pieces of what it was like after the bombing. For years following the attack I remember visiting “Bricktown”, as we called it, to see photographs of the victims hanging from a metal fence. There were wreaths made, also hanging on the fence, demonstrating respect to those who lost loved ones. They were a symbol that we would not forget; eighteen years later, we still have not forgotten.

Years later, with a completed memorial and the death of Timothy McVay, many who lost loved ones look for answers as if it was just a day ago. “Why did he do it?” or “Why was my loved one the one who died?”. Hard questions to which no answer is being offered. Similarily those who suffered losses in the 9/11 attack or the Boston Marathon will face those same questions.

Online, there has been a lot of insensitivity. It seems that some guns rights activists are attempting to use these recent attacks as fuel to defend their right to bear arms. Though I agree with that right, affirmed in the 2^nd Amendment, I believe that when we forget to mourn the losses of loved ones, or even mourn beside those who did lose a loved one, we lose unity. We lose the ability to come together and rebuild where chaos has afflicted.

Hope is what we have to turn to. Through all of the different tragedies that have occurred I am thankful to have Jesus Christ as the One I can turn to. I cannot say why God did not elect to stop those evils from befalling. All I can say is that I believe He allows events to happen in life to bring others to Himself so that this life’s suffering is the only pain they may know. 

Sympathize with those suffering in this time. Pray for those who have lost loved ones, or whose lives are forever altered by these attacks; pray also for our military, that many more would come home safely. Forgive those who have offenses, but never forget to remember those who passed away on these days. If applicable, learn, to avoid future dangers. Finally, know for yourself that there is a greater Hope you can claim as your own with certainty.