I am sure this will come out in a big jumble because I have had a flood of thoughts & emotions the past few days. Like most of you, a few days ago I woke up to the news of the Colorado shootings.
The melancholy and fearful side of me is going to admit to you that dozens of times when chris & I have sat down in a movie theatre I have talked through this very scenario.
What we would do, how we would get out.
remember I have a problem with fear.
I can’t help but wonder if there was a young couple out that night….taking that date night away from the kids they had been putting off for months. They kissed their babies goodbye, thanked the babysitter, went to a nice quiet dinner. They stood in line for a big buttered popcorn and her favorite…junior mints. They sat down in their seats and talked about how they don’t do this enough. And then horror rang out- and they never make it home.
Little babies that will never be raised by these two.
An innocent couple just out for a midnight showing, not risk takers- just a move date night.
I can’t shake it.
I finally had to unglue myself from the news and shift my thoughts elsewhere.
There was a young lady that was among the victims- her “last tweet(s)” are splashed across computer screens, news stories & tv screens everywhere. And it made me think…what would my last tweet(s) read? my last words? Would they be loving, positive, long lasting words?
Makes you think about the impact you could leave behind.
This world is a sad, scary place at times. There is a blog post going around social media from a woman who was in theatre nine that night. you can read the post here.
This post brought me a lot of peace. I have to remember that as scary and as evil and awful as this world can be, I have a hope of heaven and that fear is not of Him….and that the spirit of fear is not from Him.
I have no idea why things happen. I have no idea why some people have to endure so much. I just know someday…it will all be sorted out.
God Bless you Casey for sharing the same thoughts, fears, and emotions I have been carrying around since first hearing about the tragedy in Colorado. Iām so happy to have found your blog; it's always nice to "meet" a kindred spirit.
isn't it so good to know we can have peace knowing that God is still good regardless of the evil in the world (my brother-in-law shared that post with me a few days ago… i read and was amazed at her and her children's reactions). your struggles with fear are in my prayers, Casey!
Thank you for this post, Casey! I live in Denver, and it has been such a somber and still past few days. The ripples this individual caused will last for decades.
Hug your littles ones, on this earth, in your tummy and in heaven extra tight tonight!
One of my coworkers was saying how they guy should be stood in front of a firing squad of family and friends left behind… and that makes me sad too. Like, what good is it to treat violence with violence?
It makes me so sad to be in this world sometimes. I want to believe in good but then something like this happens. Or the father in my town that killed his little girls. I don't understand. It's all so sad.
It's absolutely unimaginable. I haven't been able to think of much else for the past two days. Last night I was laying in bed till 3 AM reading all new information I could find. Now they are saying there is Possibly someone that knew about it before hand and maybe even involved? And supposedly is making threats that there will be more tragedy if he isn't released. I don't know how accurate that information is, but I'm feeling such terror about it I don't even want to leave my house with my two kids. I know that might seem unreasonable, but it's absolutely horrifying to me.
Thank you for sharing this. I linked up similar thoughts to your on my heart link up this week from the anniversary of my friend's death, and I feel like the Lord just keeps speaking to me about it over and over through people like you! We can learn so much from death if we let the Lord use it. I have been so convicted about what I am saying with my life and words on my blog. The only thing we have that matters is HIM! Thank you for speaking truth into this blog world, and for letting His light shine through you!
Ive had those same thoughts… I got so emotional when I was reading about it. And instantly started crying when I had read that one of the injured was just a 4 month old baby! Awful. But God is good, and prayer is powerful. And thats one way we can help.
Thanks for taking the time to write out these thoughts. We are definitely sending out prayers to those impacted. I can't help but resonate with your thoughts on fear though. We need to remember that we serve a God that has not only conquered death but has made a way for us. I need to remember that.
I couldn't agree more with what you said at the end… "I just know someday… it will all be sorted out." Amen and Amen. No, we shouldn't let life pass us by and be "slothful servants" as the scriptures explain but when life gets a little too crazy or out of our control, that's when we have to put our trust in God and know that someday, it will all be sorted out.
I couldn't agree more! Sometimes all the bad things going on in the world scares me, but then I realize the same…in the end all will be made right. Yes there is evil out there but I truly believe the world is overflowing even more with good. Thanks for sharing!
Hello Casey: I have avoided reading/watching the news over this. I know the initial happenings but when it's gets too personal and they share faces and stories to go with the tragedy, I can't handle it. I struggle with fear too. My daughter has a life threatening allergy and every day I am afraid. My faith helps me but it can be crippling at times. It's nice to come hear and read your thoughts that sometimes are echos of mine. Be well sweet Casey. Roselle
My thoughts exactly. My husband and I had a date day yesterday…and unfortunately, I gave into fear and just couldn't go to the movies like he wanted to. š There just was no way I could sit there and actually focus on the movie. Sad.
thank u so so much for this. pretty sure we're soul sisters. the thought of something happening to my kids/husband paralyzes me. or the thought of me not being here to love them and nurture them. i know it can get unhealthy but its still encouraging to know someone else loves their babies like i do. xo
Beautifully written. This event was so very awful and reminiscent of the tragedy that took place in my town Tucson Arizona about a year ago. Thank you for sharing your feelings and allowing all of us a venue to gather.
That blog post by Marie was really something. I am equally as saddened and frustrated by this world. I try to find answers to why people do these things but can't, so just look forward to the day when it will all end.
I am from Aurora. I currently live in Texas but my family and friends are for the most part all still living in Aurora or surrounding areas. I had friends in theater 8 that night; the theater that received bullets and shrapnel through the wall. Jeremiah wrote of his experience that night, how my friend Lindsay (his wife) was taken aback by the sharp sting of fear. He made a comment to her that night in the midst of the chaos within the theater as she panicked, scared for their lives – "Don't act like you don't have a God". That comment right there stops me in my tracts. What would I have done in that situation? Would I have solely relied on my God OR would I succumb to fear? Would I have been mentally able to push the reality of death that is right in front of me out of my mind to pray faithfully to Him OR would the thought of dying control me? I pray that I walk strong enough in my faith that if I had been there that night, without any hesitation I would have been secure enough to look past the present hell on earth and focus every part of my being on Him. – Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
My heart goes out to my home town community and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. May angels walk with the wounded.
I am from Aurora. I currently live in Texas but my family and friends are for the most part all still living in Aurora or surrounding areas. I had friends in theater 8 that night; the theater that received bullets and shrapnel through the wall. Jeremiah wrote of his experience that night, how my friend Lindsay (his wife) was taken aback by the sharp sting of fear. He made a comment to her that night in the midst of the chaos within the theater as she panicked, scared for their lives – "Don't act like you don't have a God". That comment right there stops me in my tracts. What would I have done in that situation? Would I have solely relied on my God OR would I succumb to fear? Would I have been mentally able to push the reality of death that is right in front of me out of my mind to pray faithfully to Him OR would the thought of dying control me? I pray that I walk strong enough in my faith that if I had been there that night, without any hesitation I would have been secure enough to look past the present hell on earth and focus every part of my being on Him. – Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
My heart goes out to my home town community and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. May angels walk with the wounded.
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know that Iām the newest follower of your blog via the hop, and Iād also like to invite you to check out an Amazon Giftcard Giveaway Iām having right now!
I just went to Aurora and Columbine High school this last week as a youth leader with my church and did a blog post about it if you want to read it.
I agree, there is now a fear when I think about being in a theater. Really, if I allow it, there is a fear in everything. But that is when I remember that God has not given me a spirit of fear.
I can't live my life being afraid. Bad things happen because there is evil in the world. But there is a beautiful end to it all.
And I think Casey, you are already having an impact. I'm not even sure you know how far or how great. You probably won't know till you are in heaven. But your words…God is using those. One day you will fully see that you used your words to bring glory to Him. I already see it.
It was an indeed shocking news and my thoughts go out to all the people who were involved and its family members/friends. <3
The Young Bridget Jones
Wow, AMEN sister! This is just beautiful!!!
God Bless you Casey for sharing the same thoughts, fears, and emotions I have been carrying around since first hearing about the tragedy in Colorado. Iām so happy to have found your blog; it's always nice to "meet" a kindred spirit.
Have a happy week!
Michelle
http://www.daydreambelievers.net
isn't it so good to know we can have peace knowing that God is still good regardless of the evil in the world (my brother-in-law shared that post with me a few days ago… i read and was amazed at her and her children's reactions). your struggles with fear are in my prayers, Casey!
i deal with the same type of fears. we just have to have trust God and live life. easier said than done sometimes though right?!
I feel the same way. It is a horrible event. But that fear is ever lasting because it can happen to anyone..
Thank you for this post, Casey! I live in Denver, and it has been such a somber and still past few days. The ripples this individual caused will last for decades.
Hug your littles ones, on this earth, in your tummy and in heaven extra tight tonight!
God bless.
Beth
One of my coworkers was saying how they guy should be stood in front of a firing squad of family and friends left behind… and that makes me sad too. Like, what good is it to treat violence with violence?
It makes me so sad to be in this world sometimes. I want to believe in good but then something like this happens. Or the father in my town that killed his little girls. I don't understand. It's all so sad.
We live just miles from this movie theater and I shared some thoughts on it here http://youngmammatales.blogspot.com/2012/07/sadness.html
It's absolutely unimaginable. I haven't been able to think of much else for the past two days. Last night I was laying in bed till 3 AM reading all new information I could find. Now they are saying there is Possibly someone that knew about it before hand and maybe even involved? And supposedly is making threats that there will be more tragedy if he isn't released. I don't know how accurate that information is, but I'm feeling such terror about it I don't even want to leave my house with my two kids. I know that might seem unreasonable, but it's absolutely horrifying to me.
Thank you for sharing this. I linked up similar thoughts to your on my heart link up this week from the anniversary of my friend's death, and I feel like the Lord just keeps speaking to me about it over and over through people like you! We can learn so much from death if we let the Lord use it. I have been so convicted about what I am saying with my life and words on my blog. The only thing we have that matters is HIM! Thank you for speaking truth into this blog world, and for letting His light shine through you!
Ive had those same thoughts… I got so emotional when I was reading about it. And instantly started crying when I had read that one of the injured was just a 4 month old baby! Awful.
But God is good, and prayer is powerful. And thats one way we can help.
Thanks for taking the time to write out these thoughts. We are definitely sending out prayers to those impacted. I can't help but resonate with your thoughts on fear though. We need to remember that we serve a God that has not only conquered death but has made a way for us. I need to remember that.
this whole tragedy has completely tugged on my heart. my thoughts and prayers to the victims, families and all that were affected. love you, friend.
I have been avoiding writing a post on this simply because I didn't know what to say. You hit it pretty straight on though.
Your depiction of a couple on a date night away from the kids brought me to tears.
Thanks for writing this, Casey.
xoxo
AMAZINGLY written–thanks for it.
I couldn't agree more with what you said at the end… "I just know someday… it will all be sorted out." Amen and Amen. No, we shouldn't let life pass us by and be "slothful servants" as the scriptures explain but when life gets a little too crazy or out of our control, that's when we have to put our trust in God and know that someday, it will all be sorted out.
xoxo
brooke elyse
@brookelyse.blogspot.com
I couldn't agree more! Sometimes all the bad things going on in the world scares me, but then I realize the same…in the end all will be made right. Yes there is evil out there but I truly believe the world is overflowing even more with good. Thanks for sharing!
I LOVE how you put the very last sentence. It holds such hope…
Hello Casey:
I have avoided reading/watching the news over this. I know the initial happenings but when it's gets too personal and they share faces and stories to go with the tragedy, I can't handle it.
I struggle with fear too. My daughter has a life threatening allergy and every day I am afraid. My faith helps me but it can be crippling at times. It's nice to come hear and read your thoughts that sometimes are echos of mine.
Be well sweet Casey.
Roselle
i have similar fears and anxieties and try to control them and rationalise them out but then things like this happen.
my thoughts are with all the friends and famillies that lost someone and with the survivors–i just hope something positive can come from this š
My thoughts exactly. My husband and I had a date day yesterday…and unfortunately, I gave into fear and just couldn't go to the movies like he wanted to. š There just was no way I could sit there and actually focus on the movie. Sad.
You are such a doll. Thanks for putting all my thoughts and fears about this recent scary event into words.
Great post! I too am so very fearful! ….. I get sick to my stomach when I hear, read, watch anything to do with these shootings. š
THanks for your words.
Jesus WILL make every thing oh, so clear!
thank u so so much for this. pretty sure we're soul sisters. the thought of something happening to my kids/husband paralyzes me. or the thought of me not being here to love them and nurture them. i know it can get unhealthy but its still encouraging to know someone else loves their babies like i do. xo
Beautifully written. This event was so very awful and reminiscent of the tragedy that took place in my town Tucson Arizona about a year ago. Thank you for sharing your feelings and allowing all of us a venue to gather.
such a beautifully written post~! you have a real gift friend. my hearts go out to everyone affected in the tragedy and the families!
casey, you said it best with your last few sentences … people make bad choices… we live in a fallen world…this earth is not heaven.
God is good and love all the time and so thankful he take can take bad circumstances and find blessings.
That blog post by Marie was really something. I am equally as saddened and frustrated by this world. I try to find answers to why people do these things but can't, so just look forward to the day when it will all end.
I am from Aurora. I currently live in Texas but my family and friends are for the most part all still living in Aurora or surrounding areas. I had friends in theater 8 that night; the theater that received bullets and shrapnel through the wall. Jeremiah wrote of his experience that night, how my friend Lindsay (his wife) was taken aback by the sharp sting of fear. He made a comment to her that night in the midst of the chaos within the theater as she panicked, scared for their lives – "Don't act like you don't have a God". That comment right there stops me in my tracts. What would I have done in that situation? Would I have solely relied on my God OR would I succumb to fear? Would I have been mentally able to push the reality of death that is right in front of me out of my mind to pray faithfully to Him OR would the thought of dying control me? I pray that I walk strong enough in my faith that if I had been there that night, without any hesitation I would have been secure enough to look past the present hell on earth and focus every part of my being on Him. – Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
My heart goes out to my home town community and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. May angels walk with the wounded.
I am from Aurora. I currently live in Texas but my family and friends are for the most part all still living in Aurora or surrounding areas. I had friends in theater 8 that night; the theater that received bullets and shrapnel through the wall. Jeremiah wrote of his experience that night, how my friend Lindsay (his wife) was taken aback by the sharp sting of fear. He made a comment to her that night in the midst of the chaos within the theater as she panicked, scared for their lives – "Don't act like you don't have a God". That comment right there stops me in my tracts. What would I have done in that situation? Would I have solely relied on my God OR would I succumb to fear? Would I have been mentally able to push the reality of death that is right in front of me out of my mind to pray faithfully to Him OR would the thought of dying control me? I pray that I walk strong enough in my faith that if I had been there that night, without any hesitation I would have been secure enough to look past the present hell on earth and focus every part of my being on Him. – Jeremiah 29:11 – For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord, plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.
My heart goes out to my home town community and to all those who have been affected by this tragedy. May angels walk with the wounded.
Hey there! Just wanted to let you know that Iām the newest follower of your blog via the hop, and Iād also like to invite you to check out an Amazon Giftcard Giveaway Iām having right now!
Hope to see you there, and thank you!
http://www.meyersauthor.com/2012/07/giveaway-enter-and-win-5000-gift-card.html
I just went to Aurora and Columbine High school this last week as a youth leader with my church and did a blog post about it if you want to read it.
I agree, there is now a fear when I think about being in a theater. Really, if I allow it, there is a fear in everything. But that is when I remember that God has not given me a spirit of fear.
I can't live my life being afraid. Bad things happen because there is evil in the world. But there is a beautiful end to it all.
And I think Casey, you are already having an impact. I'm not even sure you know how far or how great. You probably won't know till you are in heaven. But your words…God is using those. One day you will fully see that you used your words to bring glory to Him. I already see it.