I debated whether or not to post this.
For one reason, I haven’t posted in quite some time; hadn’t had much to post about.
Two: because of the raw feelings that might still be out there regarding the tragedy.
Three: I hesitate to even say or write your name, to give you “credit” for the evil that you have perpetrated.
However, after much thought and prayer, I have decided to write this post.
Believe me when I say that there’s a part of me that doesn’t want to say it.
But I believe it to be true, thus I believe it should be said: Jesus loves you James Holmes.
Part of me feels there is no way this could be true. Dare I say there’s a part of me that DOESN’T want it to be true. Not for you.
But that’s the sinful, worldly nature part of me, though.
The real part of me, the follower of Jesus part of me, however, knows it is true. Jesus does love you, and even more…he forgives you.
If there is one thing we are to know about Jesus – it is that he loves us. All of us. Every one of us, no exceptions.
This includes you.
This is includes all of us.
It’s easy, James, for us to point our fingers at you and condemn and judge you – your “evil” is right there for all of us to see. And by pointing out YOUR evil actions and thoughts, we then get to hide and keep our evil actions and thoughts from being discovered.
Of course, we don’t want to use the word “evil” when we speak about ourselves. Sins, yes, issues for sure – but nothing evil.
But that would be a lie.
If our thoughts and actions were on display, such as yours were, James – we would be devastated by what we would uncover…not just about ourselves, but about those whom we know and love and deem “good” people.
And this is a big part of the problem James…because part of our evil, is that we allow other evil to exist.
You don’t just remind us of our own evil, James, you also remind us that we have failed.
Jesus calls us to love one another, as ourselves, and as he has loved us – yet it doesn’t take any special eyes to see that we fail at this miserably. Pick up a paper, and while you might be on the cover James, our failings are evident from the first to the last page.
And instead of seeking the true solution: Love. We seek to blame.
And instead of seeking the true solution: Love. We seek to blame.
So in a way, James, we failed you and blame you – and are now reaping what we have sown.
This does not take away what you have done, nor relieves you of your responsibility in the actions. But if we are to stop this sort of evil from happening again...only through admitting our failings will we discover the true problem.
The problem wasn't just that you killed 12 people...it's far deeper than that. And maybe that's what we are afraid of...to look too deep, for we might discover our hand in the matter.
We didn't pull the trigger, you did.
But before you even set foot in the door, James, where were we to stop you. Not just at that moment, but far before then?
Maybe we'll never know...
And since you can't take it back, and we can't stop you (from that one instance) there is something we can offer you in hopes to stop this in the future by other James Holmes'. We can offer something to combat the evil that you were a part of: love.
Love is the true and most powerful weapon against evil. Especially the love of Jesus.
You have been and will be called many names for the rest of your life, but I wish you to remember the most important name you have “Child of God.”
And though, for whatever reasons, you have strayed away from – as we all do from time to time – he is closer to you than perhaps he has ever been before.
Should the full realization “hit” you one day of what you have done, you will most likely find yourself in a very dark place…perhaps darker than where you are now, but do not forget.
You are loved.
Not only by your friends and family.
But by God, by Jesus.
And by me.
You are also forgiven. You were forgiven before you even set foot in that theater.
No, James, neither you nor the rest of us can take away what you did. But we can stop the flow of evil that came from it.
You, like the victims and their families, have tough days ahead. But evil will not get you through them, only love.
As much love as I am able to offer you, and to all those effected by this tragedy.
It is a narrow path that Jesus calls us on – and love is narrow because it’s so broad. We sometimes wish it were not so, but Jesus didn’t call us to be likers – but lovers.
If Jesus loves and forgives you James, then we – especially us followers of Christ – are to do no less than the same.
This is His greatness; this IS why I follow him. It is this love. A love that surpasses ALL understanding. And such a tragedy as this – shows this never more clearly.
Yes, this – in a way – is easy for me to write. I have not been directly touched by this. However, for those who think this love, this forgiveness aren’t possible – I beg you to listen to message I link Here.
This woman HAS experience the tragedy and evil of losing a loved one through senseless violence…yet, through the love and forgiveness she found in Jesus…well, it’s best if you hear it from her.
Again, I prayed about whether or not to write this…but I believe it to be true and I hold firm to this belief and should not fear expressing it.
Is it popular?
No, but Jesus didn’t come to win a popularity contest either. He came to save, and show us the truth and light and the way.
That way is: Love.
God Bless.
Peace and Love
Chris
