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Tucson—untainted by tragedy
Originally appeared on spirituality.com
Tucson, Arizona; Blacksburg, Virginia; Littleton, Colorado…what do these cities mean to me? They are all places where my family live, and I like to visit and enjoy the natural beauty. Also, readers will recognize them as three communities where tragic and much-publicized shootings have occurred. I cannot think of these communities as forever tainted even as news reporting Tucson's shootings linked together in infamy Virginia Tech in Blacksburg and Columbine High School in Littleton.
My thoughts were with the people of Tucson when Representative Gabrielle Giffords and those gathered around her at a peaceful political meeting were shot on a Saturday morning.
Despite the images of violence that looped on TV, my impressions of Tucson remain beautiful, and my confidence in the community is strong. I refuse to allow the tragic and senseless events that have taken place to change how I feel.
Now is the time to love one another as taught by Jesus.
In fact, when I think of each community I’ve mentioned, Littleton, Blacksburg, and Tucson, I recall the peace and safety I’ve felt being in their mountainous settings, walking their streets, and shopping in their quaint stores. The skies are the bluest in Littleton, the stars the brightest in Tucson, and the trees the greenest in Blacksburg.
My prayers have been for all citizens to move forward without being crushed by grief, and I’ve seen that happening the most recently in Tucson. Diverse people from all backgrounds have united to take a stand for the good of their city not to be lost amidst the sadness of one person taking the lives of others.
When a heinous crime like this happens, it is beyond the reasoning and comprehension of law-abiding moral individuals, and I feel a deep compassion for those who have been affected by the loss of loved ones. I pray they will find comfort in the beauty that God gives us and that can never be taken away. Now is the time to love one another as taught by Jesus. Now is the time to strike back with Christly love.
I promise to keep God’s goodness in my thought.
No evil act can interfere with the beauty of Tucson and its resilient people. God’s goodness and love are forever uninterrupted and continuous.
The people of Tucson, like those in Blacksburg and Littleton, are even now rising above the tragedy, realizing there is plenty of good still going on in their communities. My family has told me they are practically “shouting from the rooftops” in their unity and getting news coverage about the pride and joy they have in their hometown. It’s inspiring to hear about.
Good is not lost. That concept must be what makes it possible for Tucsonians to feel safe after such a tragedy. The Bible says those who “trust in the Lord shall be safe” (Prov. 29:25 ). God must be the good people are looking to for safety. They aren’t about to stay home afraid beyond closed doors. I’ve also heard from my son and his wife that people are bravely out and about carrying on with their everyday lives, enjoying art, theater, music, and outdoor activities.
When I return to Tucson, I promise to keep God’s goodness in my thought, and my prayers will affirm that the city will not be tainted at all. Tucson will be more beautiful than ever because I’ve seen the goodness of God through the goodness of the city’s people.