“Joy to the World,” even Newtown, Connecticut–a response to a t-shirt with a false message.

A wise friend of mine wrote this response to those who posted on Facebook a picture of the t-shirt, “God, why do you allow violence in schools” with the answer being that he is not welcomed there, a popular religious answer to the tragedy in Connecticut:

L, this way of looking at the tragedy in Connecticut makes me very sad. Horrible, terrible, violent things happen in places and to people where God is welcomed, spoken to, cried out to, day after day. Although none of my children are currently in public school, they have all attended, at various times, and for multiple years, our local elementary and middle school. There is no way it would be honest for them to believe that public prayers not being allowed at their school would (1) keep God out of there or (2) remove them from the sovereign care of God for whatever time they are there, at a public school.

On the other hand, it would not be healthy or honest for them to think that when they are in church or in any other place where God is publicly "welcomed" they are absolutely safe from tragedy or violence or suffering. They are not. Safety and protection from suffering and violence is not something we are guaranteed, even when/though we are walking in God's presence and care. Being in a place where God is welcomed does not create a cloak of invincibility around us, nor does being in a place where some people do not welcome God take us out from under God's care. (I intentionally do not use the word "protection" because God does not guarantee protection from suffering or violence on us, in this fallen world, and yet we do continue to trust he cares for us in this world.)

There are no good answers (and certainly no simple ones) to tragedy and suffering, and when we put answers out there like "God wasn't welcome in the public school, so that's why he allowed violence there" we cheapen the suffering of people (including believers in that school who certainly were praying and crying out to the Lord before, during and after the CT tragedy), and we back ourselves into a theological corner when similar tragedies happen where God was and has always been clearly welcomed.

The shooting in Connecticut was tragic and desperately sad, and I do hear and share your deeply saddened and rightly angered heart for the victims and their families. Facing the sadness by taking up God's defense with what this t-shirt communicates, however, adds sadness, and I believe mis-truth, on top of the sadness that already is.

My favorite verse of a Christmas carol is from “Joy to the World.” I believe tragedies like this happen because of sin, and the curse of sin and the fall. And I believe that Christ's birth and eventual death and resurrection prove that he comes to make (and he will make) "his blessings known, far as the curse is found, far as the curse is found, far as, far as the curse is found....." For today, I have to trust that somehow, some way that includes what happens in Connecticut, in an elementary school, where nothing, not even the curse of the fall, could keep out God's care and somehow, someway, hopefully even his blessing. It's not an answer, but it is a bit of a comfort.

May you and your children (as I also hope for me and mine) find comfort and peace today in God's care, in a world full of the curse, and yet touched and covered by the blessings he brought to earth, when he became flesh, like us, to live and die and rise again, amidst sin and violence, with those who welcomed him and those who did not. Hurting with you, and the rest of the country today,

Celebrating Kirk!

Twenty-three years ago tonight, we met a long little guy named Kirk Robert. It sounded like old news to some – “it’s a boy” - a fifth boy! But we were thrilled and still feel that way today. You were our first dare-devil – the one who got the most stitches and knew your way around the emergency room the best. You climbed everything, from the beginning – from couches and tables to tall Tennessee hill trees – you jumped off of everything including our rooftop – now that sent us to the emergency room our first day in town! We used to sing your song to you and you rocked away while hearing, “Hey’s a Kirk-boy, my friend. Hey’s a Kirkie-boy, He’s a my friend.” I can still see you swaying back and forth in your crib as we all sang to you. “Friend” – is one description that fits you perfectly. I can remember times when so many guys felt that you were their best friend. I remember the year you did not want to have a birthday party because you were afraid you would leave someone out who considered you their friend. You are a great friend – loyal - sensitive – gentle – loving – caring – optimistic – trusting – stay true to those qualities – do not give them up…no matter what you find ahead! 

There are many emotions I feel today as I remember your birth in Knoxville, Tennessee. You have been a treasure of a person in my life and to so many. Your name, Kirk, came from a close friend and also meant, “worshipper” – a name that you have lived up to in your passion for writing, singing, and playing worship . Robert – named after your dad - you have many of his attributes, like him in so many great ways. Home-schooled – football – soccer – track - dual enrollment – college graduate – Summit Ministries - mission trip – a whirlwind of memories since those days. God has so gifted you with artistry through music and photography – and now work in a whole new field. I commend you because in the challenges of life, you have persevered – you have had hope – you have kept believing and moving forward. You have loved and kept on loving! One year ago you walked up the aisle to meet the girl of your dreams in a powerfully, emotional   ceremony. No one will ever know all that walked up that aisle with you that day – what went into the relationship and your first year of marriage. But really, there is One Who knows and cares. He really has walked beside you and led you – even in those times you felt most alone in the journey. What a treasure of a person He led you to.

I guess we have all been learning that people’s words do not define who we are and where we are going. The power rests in God alone, who was and is our Great Shepherd. Follow Him!

Many new adventures await you and I am so thrilled to be a part, praying, and watching from the sidelines, as you grow in Christ-likeness. New job – new wife – new possibilities – I cannot wait to see all that is ahead.

The words most on my heart for you is “press on.”
-“Let us acknowledge the LORD; let us press on to acknowledge him. As surely as the sun rises, he will appear; he will come to us like the winter rains, like the spring rains that water the earth.” Hosea 6:3 HE WILL, SO PRESS ON!
-“Not that I have already obtained all this, or have already arrived at my goal, but I press on to take hold of that for which Christ Jesus took hold of me.” Philippians 3:12 
-“I press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.”Philippians 3:14 

CHRIST IS THE GOAL, SO PRESS ON!

Press on Kirk and know that “He Who is faithful will do it” – I will keep praying, believing, and pressing on with you. I love you and am so proud of the man you are- mom