Journey Day 197

I'm sure by now you have heard of the terrible Arizona rampage. An evil man brought guns and a knife to a congress women's meet and greet with the intent of ending her life. He was unsuccessful, but in the process of seeking out Representative Gabrielle Giffords, he shot 20 people, and killed 6 those. One of these people was a nine year old girl excited to meet rep Giffords because she wanted to help her community and was just elected to her school's student council. Another victim was a 76 year old woman, attending the event with her highschool sweetheart and husband of 50 years. Her husband was shot too, and he is in critical condition. The 3rd victim was a 63 year old judge who was just there to discuss some cases with the congress women's staffers. The irony? He had his life threatened before, and even had a security detail at one point, but who would have known that his death would be caused not by his own politics, but instead he was simply doing his job. The 4th victim was Phyllis Schneck. She was 79 years old and hailed from my small hometown in NJ. The 5th victim was Dorwin Stoddard, 76, a beloved minister at the local church. He died because he stood in front of his wife and took the bullet for her. What a beautiful picture of what Christ did for us. He simply went to visit with a favorite politician and lost his life in the process. The 6th and final victim was Gabe Zimmerman. He was a Giffords staffer since the beginning of her congress career, and was engaged to be married. When I read all of their stories, they weren't just victims, they weren't just faceless names. My mind cannot even begin to wrap around the tragedy of this event. Six lives were snuffed out, and it doesn't seem right and it doesn't seem fair. I should end this post with some verse about how God has a plan for everything, and I truly believe He does, even for something as tragic as this. But tonight I'm just going to remember these people. I'm going to remember their life and hurt for what was lost. I know that God is in everything... even this, and my faith isn't shaken.... but I just can't help but ask why? Why God? God, it just doesn't seem right, where are you in this?