I really don’t even know what to say. Since I turned on the TV around 1 o’clock this afternoon I’ve felt like my insides have been torn out and dragged across concrete. I have no answers, no explanations. I am numb beneath the deep sorrow that has blanketed the entire country. The “most wonderful time of the year” has turned into an unthinkable, senseless tragedy that has left a gash of searing pain where there should be hope and joy. I can’t even begin to imagine what these families are going through.

There are all sorts of speculations as to how and why someone would unleash such a heinous act of depravity on innocent people, most of them young children. Everything from a mental illness to violent video games is being suggested. Whatever the cause, be it biological or environmental, it was authored and manifested by pure evil.

I sat there in my living room this afternoon “ugly crying” asking, “WHY??!!!” But whatever is eventually concluded about this disturbed individual will never bring peace or closure. Only God can do that. Despite Satan’s disgusting attempt to destroy “the season to be jolly” God CAN and WILL make beauty from this. Already people, myself included, are acknowledging the appreciation and love they have for their families. Kids are being hugged a little tighter and cuddled a little longer. Bed time shenanigans are suddenly trivial and inconsequential.

Evil exists. It is very real and very serious. Satan is not merely a silly Saturday Night Live satyr to be casually laughed at or an imaginary characterization of my bad thoughts that sits on my bedside. It is a dangerous dark force that will creep in on the tiniest foothold if I’m not careful.
Be on guard and recognize it for what it is.

Nora was my beacon of joy today in this dark world. She was so good and so happy.

Never so happy to see this sight this afternoon:

A final word: Be strong in the Lord and in his mighty power. Put on all of God’s armor so that you will be able to stand firm against all strategies of the devil. For we are not fighting against flesh-and-blood enemies, but against evil rulers and authorities of the unseen world, against mighty powers in this dark world, and against evil spirits in the heavenly places. Therefore, put on every piece of God’s armor so you will be able to resist the enemy in the time of evil. Then after the battle you will still be standing firm. Stand your ground, putting on the belt of truth and the body armor of God’s righteousness. For shoes, put on the peace that comes from the Good News so that you will be fully prepared. In addition to all of these, hold up the shield of faith to stop the fiery arrows of the devil. Put on salvation as your helmet, and take the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Pray in the Spirit at all times and on every occasion. Stay alert and be persistent in your prayers for all believers everywhere. (Ephesians 6:10-18 NLT)