Guest Editorial: "Connecticut Shootings" - WSFA.com: News Weather and Sports for Montgomery, AL.

Guest Editorial: "Connecticut Shootings"

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MONTGOMERY, AL (WSFA) -

My family and I have decided to respond to the horrific shootings in Newtown, Connecticut this past Friday in the following three ways: 

First, we are going to pray for the people of Newtown.  Psalm 34;18 says that "The LORD is close to the brokenhearted and He rescues those who are crushed in spirit."  So we will be asking the Lord to bring hope and healing to the grieving families in Newtown this Christmas. We will also be praying for the first responders, students and teachers who witnessed things they should never have seen. We are asking God to give them strength and peace. 

Secondly, because of this tragedy we are determined to reach out to our neighbors more, not less, this holiday season. In light of such evil it would be tempting for us to lock our doors and stay away from everyone except family and our closest friends. Yet, it is precisely at times like this that we need to remind each other that we are not alone and that we need each other.  Who knows what impact a friendly greeting or word of encouragement can have on someone else's life? 

Finally, in our house we are going to be more intentional about giving each other hugs and saying "I love you" every chance we get.  Tragedies such as this remind us how precious life is and that we dare not take tomorrow for granted. 

These are just three simple ideas, but we're hoping that by sharing them with you, together we can make a big difference.

By John Schmidt/Senior Pastor, Centerpoint Fellowship Church

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