Looking Inward … Upward

The Jun. 15, 2016 edition of CCM Magazine

If you have a pulse—and a brain—chances are you’re both saddened and disgusted by the events that occurred in Orlando, FL early Sunday morning, June 12, 2016. I applaud those in the Central Florida area for putting aside any religious or political leanings in rushing to donate blood and provide aid. Of course, we should all be in prayer for the families of these victims, those that continue to suffer and recover from wounds that they be healed, and especially for our nation and its leaders—continuously.

It’s never our place to judge—the Bible tells us not to (Matthew 7:1-5, Luke 6:37, John 8:7)—and as a Christian, I must go forward in only examining my own life as I follow Christ’s examples. Romans 2:1 (NKJV) says, Therefore you are inexcusable, O man, whoever you are who judge, for in whatever you judge another you condemn yourself; for you who judge practice the same things. Those are some serious words, and I believe all of us are to take them very seriously.

On the heels of Omar Mateen’s father releasing statements and conducting interviews in the wake of June 12’s tragedy, I also look ahead for what is to come this Sunday—Father’s Day. Although I have yet to experience the joys of being a father, as current events are blaring through my television I’m finding myself turning up the volume to Todd Smith’s (Selah) new single, “Calling All Fathers.” In perfect response to those New Testament commandments, Smith asks, Where are the leaders? / Where are the teachers? / Where are the keepers of every home?

His questions are valid, and as we try to wrap our heads around another senseless incident, they are poignant. But the admission of his own shortcomings is where Smith found inspiration for the song, “I can see a lot of great things I do as a father, but there are a lot of ways in a lot of areas where I don’t feel like I measure up,” he says. The struggle is real—I to want to place blame, I want to go online and offer my emotion-laden opinions in comment sections and on feeds, etc. … But I’ve got to break that urge, as hard as that can be, and look inward … Upward.

We’ve fallen asleep and darkness has come / We will find strength in the name of Jesus / Calling all [fathers, mothers, sons, daughters, Christians…] / Wake up

Blessings,