Writing research regarding The Blessed Hope (Titus 2:13) and return of Christ brought me here early this morning...

Former Navy SEAL Tells How To Protect Yourself in a Situation Similar to Colorado Shooting

Surreal and an altogether disconcerting interview--recalling Phil Collins lyrical "Land of Confusion" observations as I listened.

THIS is the world we live in...a trained military combat sniper--moved by a compassionate urgency for defenseless civilian masses- educating average Americans (like you and me) on arming themselves for survival (sur.vi.val. people!) in their day-to-day lives. This is the world we live in..."be prepared" tips such as carrying on your person at all times a blinding 500 lumen flashlight in order to gain 3 or 4 seconds of "save your life" time when faced w/similar Aurora theater shooting and/or horrific terrorist situation.

This is the world we live in and the world my children came to age and are staring squarely in the face as young adults: a Modern Warfare reality played out in formerly benign shopping malls (Westroads, 2007; Tacoma, 2005; Toronto, 2012); sanctuaries of worship (New Life Community, Colorado Springs, 2007; Tennessee Valley Unitarian Universalist Church, Knoxville, 2008; First Baptist Church, Maryville, IL, 2009); schools houses (I was stunned to read the following statistics athttp://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/School_shooting) as well as the seeming safety of your own front yard/front door/neighborhood (Nicole Westbrook, 21, 2012; Harry Stone, Raytown, MO, 2012).

"Sweet Jesus (and you'd better believe that is spoken as a prayer), grant us wisdom, discernment, and clarity of thought in these increasingly dangerous and malevolent days. As evil increases both in severity and frequency, may we who are called by Your name humble ourselves and pray and seek Your face and turn from our wicked ways, for it is then that You tell us...'I will hear from heaven, will forgive their sin and will heal their land.' Help us to throw off paralyzing fear and to speak and live in a manner worthy of the hope that lives within us."

"Superman, where are you now?" Superman has left the building, but God is close to the brokenhearted and those crushed in spirit. May we as believers submit ourselves to Him and learn all the more to entrust ourselves to a Faithful Creator.