I AM NOT IMMUNE. Nobody is. We all have split second reactions to tragedies. When I first heard about the twelve people who died in Paris, my first thought was toss all the Muslims out of France. Then
when they killed the man holding the hostages after he murdered four people in the Jewish grocery store, I thought, good. Keeps him from going to prison on the taxpayers’ dime and spreading his hatred to other inmates.
We all think these thoughts at times. Even Christians. But “off with their heads” might not be what we really want. Could it be we just want justice and for the killing to stop? And isn’t it more a reaction to fear than anything else?
Deuteronomy 31:6 says, Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the Lord your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Isn’t that good news. I know deep down in my heart, there is nothing more powerful than my God.
The only thing that can take God away is fear. Too many people falter when it comes to terrorists out of fear of being next.
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Terrorism is a psychological warfare. Terrorists try to manipulate us and change our behavior by creating fear, uncertainty, and division of society. – Patrick J. Kennedy
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As Christians, as humans, we should be outraged when we see such atrocities such as those in Paris, but we should not show fear. We must not allow these radical groups to hold us hostage. If they attack a newspaper and kill people over a cartoon, that comic should be broadcast on every news station and printed in every newspaper.
We should make it clear that our God is more powerful than any other. As such, we will not be afraid to stand up when a wrong has been committed. We will call a terrorist a murderer, and we will not bow 
down to their religion.
We also must raise our children to have strength and courage when dealing with these killers. We cannot cower beneath the hand of terrorists, even if those radicals are part of our own religion. And when an act of terror happens, it should be called what it is. Whether it’s in an Arab land, in Paris, France, or the United States of America.
And we must pray. Pray for peace. Pray for the hate in these men’s hearts to turn to love.
We will never stop having knee-jerk reactions to such violence in the world. We find it appalling. As such, we will instantly have a negative response. But we cannot dwell on it. We cannot allow our lives to be dictated by a fear of dying, getting hurt, or being terrorized.
Because, if we give in to these killers, there will be no end to how far they will go.
If you or someone you know are in need of prayer this week, please let us know. We’d be more than happy to pray for you.
And if this post moved you in some way, please feel free to share it.
I am not sure if this is where prayer request go but here it goes.
I would appreciate prayers for my father, he is living with Alzheimer’s and was just transferred from local VA to a facility for rehab. I know he gets confused and is anxious to jut be home with our mom. I know that my visits help him to know he is not forgotten, .but there is still that human fear that it’s not enough. I have already surrendered him up to our Lord for healing and will continue to do so; I also in the power of prayer and strength in numbers. “Where ever two or more are gathered in my name,there I will be also”.
Thank you all so very much!
I pray for peace over your whole family during this time. I pray you feel God’s loving arms surround you, your mother, and your father. Amen.
Kathryn, thank you.