I thought that I was relatively immune to the inhumanity of man to the family. Following the news of the past few days sends chills down my spine. A man old enough to have experienced a mother’s love, the laughter of childhood friends, and the potential of love is accused of being a modern day “ripper”. Whatever the circumstances are, certain things are clear. Body parts were found in his home. His actions haven’t endured him to his neighbors, and his attitude screams of someone resigned to his or her fate.
The harsh reality of this brings back to mind the fundamentals that each of us face as we approach each day and the individual moment. One of them is as simple as you “don’t curse your father or fail to bless your mother.” (Proverbs 30.11) It is as simple as that and as complex.
The irony is that it is so easy to forget or lose track of the building blocks to enjoying life. Other keys include the following facts; God loves you and me unconditionally, the Spirit is always ready to guide, teach, and comfort, and the angel that stands beside you will always be beside you regardless of how vigorously you try to shake everything away. The list goes on but the core building blocks rest with us individually and corporately.
I wonder who knew that this person was hurting yet failed to share the gift of compassion? Were there warning signs? Was the path he was following obvious to those around him? What were the options if he was not listening to God, the Spirit, or to the words of mercy and grace from those around him?
There are few innocents in this world. At a certain age we are all responsible for our choices and the impact they have on the lives around us. I like the fact that I have people in my life holding me accountable, it helps! I want people to expose the kindness, love, and compassion that others are bringing to the people around them. Fundaments win.
