It’s on everyone’s mind. Who do we believe? Is it worth it? Who’s fault is it? How long before it happens to me?

With the recent terrorism attacks… people are at their vulnerability peak.

Some using their fight vs flight response while others are just simply stuck in fright mode. This is my biggest fear… that I will get caught up in being paranoid and waste time wondering if there is anything I can do to change this. Is there anything I can do? Yes. There is absolutely something you can do to change your attitude. Perspective. How do you view things in your current state? Can you see any good coming from it, can you inhale the problems and exhale solutions?

Got up … Exhausted… Sleep deprived and well hungover… Not my typical Easter morning ritual…
The kids had to be dressed and we had obviously already missed the traditional sunrise service at the park. We hustled and bustled our way out the door finally
(not until after we had to pick up the whole bag of split kettle corn off the ground, twice,yes twice) and of course remembered to place my mobile order of medicinal caffeine at Starbucks. On our way to the park the kids were actually peaceful and didn’t have to swat blindly behind me to stop them from hitting each other . Smooth ride. (pause…so grateful for quiet car rides)
As I pull into the parking lot I begin to notice several other families making their way to claim their land, I felt as though I had a sudden flashback to the 1800’s when land was being invaded by foreigners forcing the natives to find new territory, new life … Pause… We are so blessed.
We made our way out and laid our blankets down on the grass noticing that everyone around us had on their Sunday best and quite possibly new Easter outfits… the kids took notice and even suggested we take pictures and even suggested good picture taking spots.
(again,pause, new clothes, such a privilege)
The kids ran free after taking their shoes off and frolicked in the grass in what seemed to be perfect Easter weather.So here we are at the park, joining our loved ones in remembrance of a man who rose from the dead.The day when Jesus conquered death. The day LOVE conquered all… the day the veil was torn…the day new hope was born and the day peace was restored among us.
(pause…breath…peace was given to me, not a peace this world can give,but only a peace that can be felt through every thread of my being… )

I then read some devastating news..more that 60 dead in Pakistan in a park just like us… this morning… Christians…stepping out in faith to celebrate the very reason we were celebrating ….killed by a suicide bomber…targeted because they believe that Jesus Christ rose from the dead so that we may live…so that we may live in freedom…(can we seriously pause… )
This news shattered me…broke me… I have taken so much of my freedom for granted.
It is not only a right I have as a citizen of the United States to worship freely in a public space but my privilege as a Christian to live in freedom. To live free from persecution and judgement because Jesus delight’s in showing mercy, and mercy triumphs over judgement. I am so Thankful for God’s Mercy… So grateful for freedom and safety..grateful that my kids can frolic in nice green grass and breathe in fresh air. Grateful for a job that allows me to provide for my kids. Grateful for people who genuinely care and go out of their way to make it known. Grateful for health…grateful for life, liberty and the freedom to pursue happiness…
Easter 2016
“With his own blood…he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.” (Hebrews 9:12 NLT)

– Rest in peace brothers and sisters from Pakistan…May your families rest assured that there is a special place in heaven that has received you.
That Paul’s words comfort them and all of us impacted by this tragedy for us, yet victory in Heaven.

” For me to live is Christ, and to die is gain”