IN CHRIST ALONE: REMEMBERING CHRISTINA GRIMMIE AND REFLECTING ON RECENT EVENTS
“No power of hell, no scheme of man, can ever pluck me from His Hand, ‘til He return or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand.”
These lyrics couldn’t be more appropriate this weekend. I’m sure by now you all have heard of the atrocities that occurred over the last few days. A young talented singer, Christina Grimmie, was gunned down by a man at her own meet and greet after performing for her fans in Orlando, Florida. Grimmie, 22, was a popular musician who got her start on Youtube and later gained national attention as a finalist on The Voice. She was also a Christian who cared deeply for everyone. She will be remembered as bright light in this dark world. She brought happiness to so many and her music and legacy will live on. Not only this, we will see her again in heaven someday.
In addition, fifty innocent people were killed by a crazed terrorist at a night club in Orlando the following day. When will this senseless violence stop!!!!
People will try to make this about guns and push political agendas. However, it is not that simple. Banning guns will not solve this terrible issue. Hate filled people who wish to kill others will obtain weapons regardless. Yes, it should not be easy for anyone to obtain guns and stricter laws would be smart, but that alone will not prevent these atrocities from being committed. We as human beings: regardless of status, religion, race, gender, or sexual orientation, NEED to LOVE EACH OTHER. We need to help those who are hurting, treat others with respect, and spread kindness to all. Hurting people are behind many of these attacks.
These events have left me heartbroken, but there is comfort in knowing that God is in control.
Here is a quote from Grimmie herself: “Sometimes God allows terrible things to happen in your life and you don’t know why. But that doesn’t mean you should stop trusting Him.”
While we may not understand it, God has a plan for our lives and loves us no matter what. We need to spread love now more than ever before. Jesus is the only source of peace. Whether you believe or not (though I pray you do), we need to be mindful of our actions and words towards others. Remember, sow mercy, sow grace, sow kindness, so faith. We live in world full of hatred and darkness. Let us shine the light of Christ and show His love to all people. For we are His and He is ours, bought with the blood of the Savior. As for me, Jesus commands my destiny. He is my light, my strength, my song. No power of hell or scheme of man will take me from Him. What about you?
Listen to this power song as sung by the late Christina Grimmie and remember her family, the victims of these tragedies, and our leaders in your prayers. I pray for peace and comfort for those affected by these awful tragedies. 'Til He returns or calls me home, here in the power of Christ I stand!!