live the gospel

just about the only time i catch the news anymore (on the tv anyway) is when i am trapped on the treadmill. maybe reading the text at the bottom of the screen helps the information penetrate my brain more permanently, but sometimes i think i may go blind.

yesterday, the morning news was flooded with interviews, pictures and testimonies surrounding the Lancaster County school shootings. like a train wreck i found myself horrified but unable to look away. amidst all the graphic imagery, anger and brokenness, i found hope.
one of the local women interviewed said something like this:

"through this horrible tragedy, the Amish community of Lancaster County is learning to love our enemy(ies) in hopes that our actions and forgiveness can be a small glimpse of Christ's love for us and the forgiveness we so undeservingly receive everyday".

this statement moved me to tears. how often do i feel like i have been unjustly treated, betrayed, or judged. and how often do i respond back in a negative way, harbor resentment, or avoid confrontation all together. this humbled community suffered a greater loss than i can ever imagine and with all the unanswered questions (like why would God allow something like this to happen) they proclaim the gospel and love the enemy. instead of remaining silent, they boldly and bravely choose to reflect the love and forgiveness God gave us through the death of His son.

"we are more sinful and evil and weak than we ever dare believe, but we are more valued, accepted, and loved then we could ever hope".

i am thankful for the community of Lancaster County and the people in my life whom, through their actions towards others, paint a more vivid picture of the Gospel of Jesus Christ.